Is it REALLY "Fine"??

 "The enemy of 'the best' is not 'the worst'. The enemy of 'the best' is 'just fine'.

If you are apathetic because everything seems 'just fine', you will be unwilling to make the huge changes    needed to get huge results."     Dave Ramsey

It can be a very dangerous lie that we tell ourselves by answering to others that everything is "Just Fine" and even more so when we tell ourselves that same lie.

"Oh, but Mike, it's not a lie...I'm doing alright. I mean, there are a LOT of people doing worse!"

I get it but, does that mean that YOU are "fine"?

What does that even mean when you say, "I'm fine" or "Everything's fine" or "It's fine"?

Think about it. Leave your comments below or leave them at www.FutureYouUniversity.com on the post featuring this article or the podcast or video on the same topic. 

Get honest with yourself. Get real and be real and ask yourself, "What do I REALLY want?" as well as, "What would my life look like for me to REALLY, truly feel and know that, indeed, 'It's fine' ?"

Until next time, when we will discuss this further...

Whatever you do, always be sure to make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

 

Are YOU in CONTROL Without a "Plan B"?

At the end of my last article I asked the question (or similar): "What CONTROL do you have over your current situation/job?"

Sure, consider the obvious things such as being told when you can or cannot go to the restroom or take your lunch break. Depending on the schedule, do you even GET a lunch break? Wow, how about trying to schedule your vacation only to be told that you can't because of some "reason" that those "in charge" decide that they want to do first?

Are you able to participate in your child's school activities? Even if it's just trying to get off a little early to do so? How many days can you take off to take care of a child that is sick and has to stay home from school? 

But let's go a little deeper on this thought...

What control do you have over actually KEEPING your job?

Yes, I understand that there is a LOT that you can do to make sure that you not only keep your job but get promoted with your job. A lot of people want to do the minimum and expect the maximum in benefits by doing so. It just doesn't work that way.

I'm referring more to situations like what I discussed in the last article and podcast about my own personal recent situation. 

The bottom line - the TRUTH - is that you DON'T have control when it comes to the actions of those above you that could greatly impact your ability to keep your job. You DON'T have control over whether or not your company decides to shut down and move the company to a foreign country. You DON'T (and DIDN'T) have control over the government forcing your company to completely shut down which put you and everyone else out of work. For how long? Again, out of your control. 

So, yes...you DO have some control over your own actions and abilities. Your habits and your work ethic. But, beyond that...how much control do you actually have?

The only real way to GET 

(and maintain) control is 

to TAKE control!

This may surprise you but, in this article, I have no solutions for you on this problem. I have no suggestions for you. 

Why? I honestly have yet to find something that has worked for me. Now, I know others that have done GREAT things with a "Plan B" and, yes, have also developed a "Plan C, D, E, F", etc.  I'm working on some things right now and...if they work out for me, I'll let you know. 

Here's the thing: There is PLENTY of information out there about "side gigs" and putting together a "Plan B". Again, COVID really brought the need for such to the fore-front. 

BOTTOM LINE: Don't wait to begin your search when you are under pressure to MAKE something happen! That generally will cause you to make poor decisions and it will also remove your ability to be patient with the process.

I do have something planned that might be of assistance to you in this area. I am currently working on a series entitled, "People of Passion" in which I will be interviewing a few people that I have connected with either personally or via online sources that have exhibited a sense of happiness and passion in their lives. Some of these are also involved in some "Plan B/Side Gig" opportunities and some are not. Be watching for that!

I'll leave you with this: "If you are not in control of (fill in the blank), chances are, someone else is."

Until then remember...

YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube   

 

You Found "THE" Door...WHAT NOW?

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!

Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information.

 As always, be sure to read the previous articles in this series as well as listening to the podcasts that go along with this topic. As is pointed out above, be sure to notice that the iTunes and RSS feed have been updated in the links at the end of this article.

In today's article, I conclude this series that with "part 2" of the "final step" in the "Asking, Seeking, Knocking" formula that comes from Matthew 7: 7-8.

In the last article I discussed about WHY you have decided to "knock" on THAT particular door after the "seeking" part of this process. Again, be sure to go back and read it...it's very important to consider. I also left you with the following scriptures to think about leading into today's article about what you do once that "door" has been "opened" and you have discovered the answer for which you have sought.

 This is found in Matthew 13: 44-46...

 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 

⁴⁴ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price 

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, ⁴⁶ who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."

 

Now that you have found what you say you were looking for - that "thing" for which you have intently searched - what will you do now?

 In the scriptures that I shared with you above, you see that - in BOTH situations - when the person that was doing the SEEKING/SEARCHING found that for which they searched (vs. 44 does not indicate an actual "search" but does indicate one that realized the value of what was found) they acted according to the VALUE that they perceived that "thing for which they searched" held. In BOTH of these situations, they sold ALL THAT THEY HAD so that they could buy that "treasure"! WOW!

We have already discovered TWO WAYS for you (or anyone paying attention to what you are doing or saying) to KNOW how truly valuable that "treasure" is for which you seek. You see, SAYING it or TALKING about it is one thing but the ACTION that follows actually speaks the TRUTH about the matter!

1. How intently your actually SEEK that for which you SAY you desire. Again, your ACTIONS will speak much louder than your WORDS. 

2. What you actually do once you have "found" that "treasure" for which you seek. What ACTION will you take now that you have found it? What VALUE do you place on that "treasure"?

There are times that people SAY that they want or desire something only - once they have discovered the "cost" - to later decide that they really DIDN'T want it. 

But, for those that have shown, from the beginning of their "seeking", that their "WHY" is, indeed, of great importance to them they also demonstrate the same once they have found their "treasure"! They will not give a second thought to whatever "cost" may be attached to that "treasure" because THIS is THE THING for which they have been searching. They have not ever given up or stopped seeking! They KEPT ON SEEKING even when others may have told them to give up.

Which describes YOU and that "thing" for which you say you are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve or obtain? Again, your ACTIONS will answer that question regardless of what you may say with your words. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read this blog article. I began these back in 2009 and, though I've had some set-backs from time to time, I still continue to try to encourage those who read them as well as those that listen to my podcasts.

Be sure to stop by my Facebook page and leave your comments about this article or, better yet, this series that I conclude with this entry. I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube    Project141 

Project 141: RELAIONSHIPS (Part 3: Family, Friends, CoWorkers)

 

So, you should already know what I'm about to say as you get ready to read this article...have you already read parts 1 and 2? If not, go do that first. If you have, then welcome to part 3!

And, while you are at it, be sure to check out the podcast by clicking HERE.

In this article we are going to look at our "Project 141" expansion application to the area of relationships and, more specifically, your relationships with family, friends, coworkers and even your boss. Yep. Even your boss.

I'm also going to use the exact same graphic that I used in part 1 of this section when I discussed your relationship with your spouse/mate. Here it is:

 Here's the kicker, friend...THESE 3 QUESTIONS can be (should be) applied (considered and acted upon) to ANY relationship that you value. Yes, even your relationships with your coworkers and your boss.  "Wait a minute, Mike, I wouldn't say that I 'value' my relationships with my coworkers and, for sure, I'm not sure I'd say that about my boss!"

Let's think about that for a moment. When you go back and reconsider the importance of guarding and protecting your mind (personal development) and, along with that, you throw into the mix a group of people that you likely spend more time with than anyone else...shouldn't you "value" that relationship to the point of at least wanting to make them the best possible? Do you REALLY want to "add on" to the negativity that wants to consume you ever day as it is?

And, when you consider that your "boss" or manager or whoever it is that is in a position to promote you or fire you, is a part of your "work life", wouldn't it make sense to try to make that relationship as positive and productive as possible?

I've shared this example before but I feel it needs to be shared again in this discussion. Years ago my wife went to work for a store and was warned on her first day to "stay clear" of the assistant manager because she was grouchy and negative. Yes, on day one. Little did those that said those things know that, for my wife, they simply presented a challenge for her. Her thought was, "I'm going to do whatever I have to do to make her (the assistant manager) smile each day that I'm here at work". 

And, take a wild guess what happened...she accomplished her goal of putting a smile on that assistant managers face every day that my wife worked with her. No, it was not an immediate change but, day after day, when my wife would say something positive to her with a HUGE smile on her face, the assistant manager had no choice but to smile back with a positive response. And that's not all. To the shock of all of her coworkers (who were already in shock at what all had happened), this assistant manager hand-knitted a "blanket or throw" for her and told her how much she appreciated her. 

WOW! Talk about my wife doing something DAILY to improve her relationship with this assistant manager. What an incredible change!

I'm not telling you that this will always be the type of reaction that you can expect but, at the same time, I can pretty much promise you that there WILL be some positive change and improvement in that relationship.

So again, regardless of whether you are talking about friends, family, coworkers or, yes, even your "boss" it is important to apply these same 3 questions on a DAILY basis:

     1. What do I do TODAY to IMPROVE this relationship?

     2. What do I do TODAY to BE INVOLVED in this relationship?

     3 What do I do TODAY to make ______________ glad that they are a part of this relationship?

Notice that, in all 3 of these questions, the question is NOT, "What do THEY do..." but, rather, "What do I do". This is a key ingredient in this "exercise" - this must be turned "inward" and applied to YOU taking the action and not waiting on the other person and/or blaming the other person. That is about what YOU need to do and what YOU need to do TODAY.

1. How do you improve or "make better" your relationship with your friends, family, coworkers and your boss/employer? How can you be a better friend, family member, coworker and employee?

2. What do you need to do to make sure you are "involved" (engaged) in these same relationships? For example, at work, are you there just to "get the check" or are you involved/engaged in a way that shows you are dedicated to doing your absolute best at whatever your position may be there. Are you one that constantly whines and complains or are you one that, again, is focused on "turning off" the negativity that surrounds them and is focused on doing their job to the best of their ability?

3. What do you do TODAY to make (fill in the blank) GLAD that they are a part of this relationship with you? Are your friends - especially your really close friends - GLAD that you are their friend? Are you "involved and engaged" in that friendship or are you only "connected" when you want/need something? What are the "needs" that your family has at this stage of your life. Are you fully engaged in whatever role that might be and are they glad that you are a part of your family? And, yes, even with your coworkers and your "boss"...do they like to see you come into a room or are they happier when you leave? Is your employer GLAD that they hired you or do they regret that move?

Do NOT take the power behind these 3 questions lightly! They ARE, indeed, POWERFUL but only if you take them seriously and honestly answer and  apply what you need to do.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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

Mike

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

YouTube  Project141

What Makes YOU Happy?

 "In the midst of "doing more of what makes you happy", perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others."

Mike Spillman 

What makes you happy?

Hopefully, your answer to that question would be different at age 5 compared to age 35 or 55. But, for some in our society that, although the "object" of their answer may change, their "mindset" remains very similar. In other words, what makes them happy still revolves around THEM.

The "pursuit of happiness" is actually one of three "unalienable rights" listed in the Declaration of Independence so, obviously, there is nothing wrong or immoral about doing just that.

You and I have both heard of (or know of, personally) those who sought or pursued happiness in all kinds of ways only to come back "empty" in more ways than one. Many that have done so express the lack of fulfillment in their pursuit. 

What about you? What - in your experience along your pursuit of happiness - have you found to TRULY bring happiness into reality? Are you still searching?

As my quote suggests, "...perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others." 

My guess is that you and I have also both heard of or seen others that have expressed this very thought. They have found true happiness by bringing happiness to others, by SERVING others. By taking their eyes - their FOCUS - off of themselves. 

Check that idea out for yourself and let me know what you find. I'd love to hear from you about your journey in this way.

And, as you do so, 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!

CONCLUSI0N: "Taking the Journey: Detours, Delays and Delusions"

Right off I want to encourage you to be sure and listen to the podcast (RSS feed  - iTunes) and/or watch the video on this important conclusion of this series.

There will be MORE information shared in those avenues than will be shared in this short blog article (be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel).

We have really already talked about the DETOURS. I actually thought about concluding this series by talking about how we can actually AVOID IN ADVANCE some of the detours.

Is it possible to avoid some of these in advance? Yes, it is! For example, before heading out to work one might turn on a local news channel to see if they have any traffic reports so that they can plan their route accordingly. Even after they have gotten in their automobile, one might turn to a radio station that has regular traffic updates so that they can continue to be aware of potential detours in advance.

In our personal journey to a better and brighter future it is also possible to know - in advance - of possible situations or people that might cause a detour in that journey. People, places and "things" may cause a detour. People: There may be some people (or groups of people) that you know in advance that you need to AVOID so that their negativity does not slow you down or take you off of your course. Places: Perhaps there are even some places that you need to avoid knowing, in advance, that they may cause a detour. One may even be sitting in front of the television set. Things: Sometimes we can cause our own detours by getting distracted with "things" or "stuff" that we THINK is part of our progress that, in reality, may be nothing more than busy work.

DELAYS 

For this discussion, I consider "detours" as something that we are not necessarily responsible for...something that is pretty much out of our control. However, when I think about DELAYS, I consider these more as something that WE DO have control over. In other words, in this discussion, when it comes to DELAYS, we have no one to "blame" but ourselves. 

These type of delays may come due to over planning or finding all kinds of reasons NOT to get started on this journey... at least not yet. Many times these delays (even the ones I just mentioned) are due to FEAR. This has to do with our mindset in this area. We can literally "scare ourselves into inactivity" and cause unending delays. Yes, it is true, the best way to get rid of this type of fear is to face it and attack it head on.

DILUSIONS 

Example: If you think that you are going to get in your car and drive from Los Angeles to New York City on one tank of gas...you are delusional. If you think that you are going to make the same trip without ANY detours and/or delays, you are also delusional. 

In like manner, if you think that, on your journey to a better and brighter future you will no longer need to "study" and absorb information to keep your positive energy tank filled and fueled, you are being delusional.  

Maybe you are still "early on" in this journey and you haven't really had any delays and/or detours as of yet. BEWARE! To think that you will NOT have any delays and/or detours along your path is a DELUSION! You are kidding yourself and, to be more blunt, you are lying to yourself! Don't listen to and don't believe such a lie.

And, finally, if you think, after listening to a bunch of hype, that (for example) you are going to make a million dollars in six months...you got it, you are delusional! I'm not sure where I first read or heard this but I have always tried to remember it and, yes, I do have to remind myself of this fact from time to time: We often OVER estimate what we can accomplish over the short term and UNDER estimate what we can accomplish over the long term.  

You are in control! Be aware of the possible detours, delays and delusions that may be before you that could cause you to get "off track".

Thanks for joining me and, until next time, whatever you do... 

"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

"Taking the Journey - What Route Will You Take?"

Whatever you do, be sure to check out the video cast (Vlog) as well as the podcast of this topic  by clicking on the appropriate links at the end of this article.  

As we continue our analogy of "taking a journey" with what it is that you want to accomplish during this year, we now look at which "route" you will take in order to reach your destination. 

Again, if you don't know where it is you want to go, how will you know when you get there?

Last time, we talked about which VEHICLE you would use for your journey and we talked about how it depended on the destination. You could walk, ride a bicycle, drive, ride a train, fly in an airplane and/or ride on a boat. And, you could actually do ALL of these on one journey!  

Is there only ONE ROUTE to take in order to reach your destination? Not likely!

You may decide to take a leisurely approach to your journey so that you can stop and "see the sites" along the way. Your goal may not be so much "getting there" but, instead, enjoying the journey along the way to "getting there".

Or, for whatever reason, you may want to get to your destination as quickly as possible, even if it means driving all night!

Your reason for the trip (your "WHY") will greatly determine what route you take and at what pace/speed, right?  

Just don't get the two confused! Here's what I mean - if you have told your family that you are going to take a leisurely trip so that all of you can enjoy some special sites and adventure and then, along the way, you decide you want to just "zoom" right past all of that so that you can save time, you will likely have a very unhappy family with you! Why? Because you said you were going to take one kind of journey and then actually took a very different kind of journey. What you SAID and what you DID were two different things.

On the other hand, if a family member calls you and tells you that another family member is deathly ill and that you need to get there as quickly as possible, what would you do? You would likely tell them that you would leave as soon as possible and get there as quickly as possible, right? But, what if along the way a sign for the world's BIGGEST ball of yarn caught your eye and you took a 50 mile round trip detour to go see it and then decided to stop off at a souvenir shop to commemorate that amazing sight? Would there be disappointment in you shown by your family members when you showed up many hours later than you could have and should have? OF COURSE!

 When planning out your "route" it is important do make a decision as to what type of journey you wish this to be. Don't whine and complain about it taking too long to arrive at your destination if you have ended up having a leisurely attitude and approach toward reaching your destination.

Make sense?

But what if you got "off track" and didn't even realize it for quite a while? Is it too late to still reach your destination? 

Yes...and no.

Join me next time as we discuss that important factor in reaching your destination.

Until then...

"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

What Do YOU Want?

 * Be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video on this same topic!*

Seems like a simple enough question, right? Yet, not many people can actually ANSWER that question. Don't get me wrong, a lot of people will give an answer to that question very quickly but it will likely be an answer that is very vague and generic.

For example, to say, "I want to make more money!" is a very vague answer.  For one, how much is "more"? Another may say, "I want a better job!". Again, what is "better"? What are the things that would make a job "better" for you than what you do now?

Perhaps a better question to ask about ANY such thing is to ask "Why" as well as, "How bad do you want it?".

We'll get back to that in a moment but, bottom line, ANY change in your life, like even these that are being briefly discussed, will require you to answer that one question up front: "How bad do you want it?"
 

May I be blunt? Regret SUCKS! The way I look at the definition of the word, "regret" is that fact that you cannot go back and do anything about it! It's too late, hence the real regret.

Yes, change - ANY change - is hard but at least the difficulty that comes with that change indicates that you can, and are, actually striving to DO something about it. Regret? It's too late.

So, again, what do you want to do - and why? Do you even know? In the last article I posted a graphic and talked briefly about your "vision" (for what you want to do) becoming clear once you approach this from your heart. That becomes the answer to the question, "Why?" as well.

That's why I ask you to answer the question, "Why?" in all of this. What is your heart telling you about what you really want to accomplish? What does your heart tell you about your PASSION for your life? Many times we forget to talk about "passion" because of the reality of "having to pay the  bills" and often just settling for whatever we can do.

But, often, when we KNOW what our passion is and what it is that we actually DO want to do with and in our lives, the temporary "discomfort" of such a job begins to lessen. Why? Because we know that it may be the "vehicle" that we need to get us to what we really want to do and accomplish in and with our lives.

I have a "goal" or "passion" of something that I want to accomplish in my life. It's been the same thing for many years and I've yet to really get much closer to it than I have been in the past. Believe me, there is ALREADY some regret attached to that fact BUT the good news is that it is NOT too late for me to do something about it! Here's the thing: I have found what I believe to be the "ultimate tool" to accomplish that task but it will require a financial investment that I am unable to fulfill at this time. BUT GUESS WHAT? I also know that my current job WILL provide me the "vehicle" to get to where I want to be as long as I am willing and determined to do my best and become my best in this area.

A "half effort" likely won't even get me "half-way" there. I must be determined to make the necessary changes and break some old habits in order to make this push in my life. So, if it is something I REALLY want to accomplish, then I must make the necessary changes regardless of how difficult and, yes, even "painful" the journey may be.

Yes, every single day! This is what I talked about right before the start of the new year when I challenged you to think about "Happy New DAY!" as opposed to "Happy New Year". Why? Because it is EASIER to check our progress - or lack of it - at the end of a day as opposed to trying to track our course over the course of a whole year.

Yeah, what if I (you) struggle? THAT'S A GOOD THING because, like I mentioned above, it helps us to KNOW that we are actually doing something that is not our same old habit from before!

Do you want to know how to avoid that struggle? QUIT.  That's right...give up and quit. But, guess what you will have to deal with then that is worse than the struggle of change? REGRET.

It's your choice.

 

 Oh, and one more thing. "Don't water your weeds". Don't feed the negativity in your life and don't "give life" to those things and/or people in your life that will continue to try to choke out your dreams and your goals. And, yes, that may mean that you need to separate yourself from some PEOPLE in your life that currently occupies some of your daily time. If it's a spouse or someone else in your own household then you - YOU - must figure out some way to avoid such a situation. Perhaps you need to stop sharing your thoughts and goals with such people. If possible (easier said than done) you may have to actually "cut" some of these people completely out of your life. 

That's right, you may have to go a step further than just not "watering" your weeds, you may actually have to actively WEED YOUR GARDEN. 

Feel free to contact me: mike@futureyouuniversity.com to discuss this further if you'd like.

So, really...what do YOU want and how bad do you want it? Get focused - get LASER focused - on this part of the journey. You will find it hard, if not impossible, to move forward at all until you do.

Join me Sunday nights at 6:00 p.m. CST at www.Facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity for my weekly LIVE streaming event 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

How I Know When I'm On The Right Track

What gets YOUR attention? What is it that "wakes you up" and causes you to think or say, "Hey, maybe there's a message that I need to be paying attention to?"

Hopefully you are not someone that would just look blankly at me if I were able to ask this question to you face to face. 

Very quickly I want to share with you something that happened to me over the past week or so and also share (again) something that happened to me several years ago that was very similar. 

When I was getting ready for my recent LIVE event I came across a quote by Napoleon Hill (posted in the last article) that read, "Don't wait. The time will never be just right". Cool, I knew it would fit in with the night's discussion so I put it together in a graphic format and went about my day. 

I don't remember how many days went by from when I first found that quote for this event but, in a very short period of time I came across that EXACT same quote again and through a different source on the Internet. "Wow, that's interesting" I thought to myself. 

So, again, I did the LIVE event three days ago (from the day of this article) and did the blog article yesterday that featured this - and other - graphics that I used from the event. The, yesterday - guess what? - the exact same quote by Napoleon Hill showed up once again. 

Friend, when a message keeps appearing to me like that then, one, I know I need to pay attention because it is obviously something that I need to apply to my life. And, two, it also "tells me" that I am on the right track with this particular thought!

Here's another example from several years ago that I have shared on more than one occasion via my different avenues of communicating with you. I was out on a ride on my motorcycle (my favorite time to just think with no interruptions) when I came across a sign in front of a church building that read, "Believe in Yourself". (By the way, I got this part reversed in the video recording as well as the podcast but I did catch this on the podcast and corrected it). 

A few more miles down the road and, you know it, the EXACT same message appeared on another sign and, no, this was not some kind of special "Believe in Yourself" day. Yes, after seeing that exact same sign with the exact same words I did think, "Hmmmm...interesting." The thought changed from "interesting" to "Wow! That's something I obviously need to hear/see/receive today!" when I saw the exact same thing on third sign! And then, to complete the message, about three miles from my house as I was driving through my home town, I glanced at one of those "scrolling marquee" signs just in to time see the words, "And Others". 

My "message" was complete! "Believe in Yourself...and Others". 

What's my point? Simply this. I KNOW I am on the right track with a thought or I am being PLACED on the right track when I see such a thought repeated to me in a short span of time.

What about you? 

Sometimes we can get so busy and caught up with "stuff" that we just don't pay attention.

So, today, I simply want to encourage you to just "pay attention". No, don't search this stuff out but DO be aware of these "messages" that may come your way.

Have you had such experiences? I'd love to hear about them! Specifically, if you would, please to to my "fan page" on FBook and leave the comment there.

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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Rejoice!

I'm done with my series that was inspired by a poster full of really good phrases. If you didn't catch that, just go back for several articles (it starts HERE) and read through the last one.You will also find the website where you can even order that poster, if you'd like. No, I get nothing from that - just sharing something good with you. 

I really don't have a new "series" in mind at this point but, perhaps due to this being the "Holiday Season", I wanted to share THIS word with you for today's article...REJOICE!

Even if you find this and read it during the summer, it doesn't matter - the word applies each and every day.

I actually went ahead and looked up the definition of the word and thought I'd share it with you here:

verb (used without object), rejoiced, rejoicing.

   1. to be glad; take delight (often followed by in): to rejoice in another's happiness.

verb (used with object), rejoiced, rejoicing.

   2. to make joyful; gladden: a song to rejoice the heart.

So, to put it in other terms, the word "rejoice" means to be HAPPY and to MAKE HAPPY!

I don't know about you but, I like that. 

It's kind of like everything that I talk about here through Future You University. Apply these things to your life but don't keep them to yourself - SHARE THEM! 

Go back and read the last article on "Be AWESOME" and you'll see what I mean. I encourage you to not forget to BE awesome but to also share that encouragement with those around you. Let THEM know that they are, indeed, AWESOME,  just because of who they are. 

So it is with the idea of rejoicing or "being happy". YES, rejoice! YES, be happy! But, at the same time, be sure to share that with those around you so that they, too, can find what is needed to rejoice and be happy. 

Again, don't focus on what you don't have or on what is not "right" in your world. Instead, put your focus on what you DO have and on what is RIGHT in your world.

And then, REJOICE! 

As you think about that and incorporate that into your own life, also be sure to...

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

Mike

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Follow Your Dreams

You have likely heard something along these lines: "Follow your dreams or you will be fulfilling the dreams for someone else." Now, I know that's not an exact quote, but I think you get the idea.

Basically what is being said is this: You can either work on YOUR dreams or work for the dreams of someone else. Make YOUR dreams come true or stay busy making the dreams of someone else come true.

So, does that mean I quit working for someone else and pursue my dream?

Maybe, and maybe not.

What????

In my opinion, too many people get that kind of idea in their heads and end up living a miserable life while becoming discouraged along the way. Sure, there are SOME people that have taken that path that have done wonderful things and have been unbelievably successful. But, my guess is that, for every one of those, there are 100 that have suffered for making such a decision.

Perhaps YOU have been one of those people and it has caused you to "give up" on your dreams.  

DON'T!

It is very feasible, possible and realistic to pursue YOUR dreams while, yes, working for someone else. It has been done for years by thousands of people over time. 

Be THANKFUL (hey, that topic is coming up in the next article) that you have the ability to make a living and, perhaps, even set a little money back to be used to pursue your dream. What does it take and how long are you willing to work to make that dream become a reality?

Too many people become impatient in this process. Too many overestimate what they can do in the short term and underestimate what they can achieve in the long term. And, when they don't achieve what they have overestimated what they could do in the short term, they become frustrated and give up. 

What about you? Does this describe you?

Here's the thing, friend. Don't miss out on the JOURNEY while you keep working toward your "destination"! It has often been said that the journey IS the destination - or the "prize". 

Look around you! Find the good in every day, enjoy the journey along the way, keep your eyes on the goal and make progress - step by step - every single day. 

Thanks for allowing me to share with you today and, until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Mike

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Do More Of...

Now, before I really get into the "meat" of this article, I feel that I need to do a little "disclaimer" on this - right here and right now.

You can't ALWAYS do "what makes you happy", nor should you. I know, I know. It sounds like I'm already talking just the opposite of what the title infers, but I'm not. 

We cannot live a life that is oblivious to those that are around us. We cannot live a life that is totally focused on SELF, though it seems that many in our world have and are attempting to do just that. 

One area that I really focus on with this is if you have children at home. I cringe when I hear someone say - while still having children at home (specifically younger children) - "It's MY time now! It's time for ME to take care of ME!"

I understand the feeling that may come at times but, friend, as long as you have those children at home  you have the responsibility to teach them, train them and raise them to be good, productive humans themselves.

Oh, I understand that it is not always easy and I know that it can get stressful and frustrating at times. But it IS a responsibility that you must fulfill. 

I hope this makes sense. I hope you understand WHAT I'm saying as well as WHY I'm saying it.

Here's another example: Someone may say that having more money than they know what to do with would make them happy. Cool. However, that same person CANNOT steal that money from everyone around them in order to make them happy.

Get it? Good!

Maybe we have all forgotten how to find the "little" things that can make us happy. Or, maybe we just have allowed ourselves to become so "busy" that we just have lost sight of those things that are around us every day that make us happy.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Being surrounded by your children? Your grandchildren? A quiet house? Time away? A walk? Reading? Traveling? Time with friends? Going to live events such as concerts or sporting events?

I don't know what it is for you, but remind yourself what it is that makes you happy. And then, if situations allow, DO MORE OF THAT!

Sure, even as a parent, there are ways that you can find and enjoy those quiet times and find some "alone time" in a way that will not neglect your family. You may have to get help from a spouse or a friend. You may simply have to steal those moments away as they come and not let them slip by.  But it CAN be done!

So many times people will say, "I'm just too busy! I can't find time to do those things that make me happy!". When, in reality, we have allowed ourselves to fill our lives up with "busy-work" that is not really necessary. Make sense?

When it gets down to it, we're often not as busy as we like to think, we're just not disciplined enough to prioritize things in our life and even allow some things to just simply go undone. 

When my three boys were at home, I LOVED being a Dad! I absolutely loved it, even when they became teens and there were the normal "issues" that come along with helping them develop. No, it wasn't always easy. Yes, there were times that I felt I was at my wits end. But, still...I loved being a Dad and I really miss those times. If you wish for a quiet house, be careful what you wish for. It WILL come and, often (like me), when it does, you wish it weren't so quiet.  

Now I get to enjoy being "Poppa" (grandpa) and I absolutely LOVE every time I get to spend a day or two with my "babies" when they come to visit. 

So, again, what is it for you? 

Listen to me...you need to find MORE than just one thing! For example, I love when my grandbabies come to visit but I cannot allow THAT to be the ONLY time that I find something happy! Know what I mean? It's up to me to find joy and happiness in things that take place EVERY single day.

Here's the kicker: Maybe instead of trying to FIND something that will make me happy, perhaps I can focus on DOING something that will bring happiness to someone else and - guess what? - in return I will likely find happiness myself. 

That's usually the way it works, friend. 

So, in the midst of "doing more of what makes you happy", perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others. 

Think about it and, until next time, whatever you do...

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

Mike

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

Will You Vote? (You Vote Either Way)

Will You Vote?

You Vote Either Way - Indecision IS a Vote!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike

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