Created Victorious!

This really brings the week's focus to a good ending to tie up all that we've discussed.

I would suggest that, if you are one that has struggled with the things we have discussed this week, you actually print this off and post it somewhere that you can see it and read it daily.

"From Victim to Victor" has turned out to be the theme of the week. NO MORE!

Understand what is worded in the graphic above - YOU WERE CREATED VICTORIOUS!

I really want to encourage you to listen to the podcast on this topic. You can find the links at the end of the article.

As I've said before, you may not be a believer in God or the Bible but, at the same time, I want to encourage you to read what the Bible has to say about how God feels about you! You - yes YOU - were made in the image of God! He loves you and wants the best for you.

It is a slow process, but you need to begin to STAND on the belief that, indeed, you WERE and ARE created to be VICTORIOUS!

I do understand that it is easier said than done. Especially for those of you that, perhaps, grew up being degraded and devalued. Perhaps you are one that has suffered through years of marriage to a spouse that has degraded and/or devalued you. It's not always physical or verbal! It may be that they have treated you in such a way as to make it clear that they put you last on the list, that you don't matter. (Remember, it's time to stop living a life of left overs!).

I need to point out, again, that this may also include men! Many times when we talk of these things we talk about women and children. It is true that there are too many women and too many children that have endured this type of lifestyle. However, there are also MEN who have gone through the same thing. There are MEN who have endured a life growing up being treated with the continued negative impact of being made to feel as if they had no value or worth to anyone. There are MEN out there, as well, who have lived with a spouse that has done the same - made them feel as if they were of no value or worth to anyone.

YOU WERE CREATED VICTORIOUS!

It is a long process to begin to believe that and live it but, it begins TODAY!

I want you to know this as well: realize it or not, you have already been a light to and for someone else! That's right. Perhaps they see your perseverance in a difficult situation. Perhaps they see that you can still smile at them when you see them. Perhaps others have seen and experienced your helpful touch. There are others that have looked and been encouraged and inspired by you. Yes, YOU!

Remember, "As long as there is breath, there is hope."

On a personal note: I got this graphic from a dear friend that simply told me that it hit close to home. I have no idea what has gone on in her life and I didn't ask her. If you are reading this - I love you! Thank you for sharing this graphic so that I could use it to hopefully help others. YOU are beautiful, YOU are of value and YOU were made VICTORIOUS!

Thank you, friends, for allowing me to share. Even though I don't know you, I care about you and for you. I'd love to hear from you and, at least, please be sure to share this and the information from the week with those that need it.

And, as always, as you go through your day, be sure to...

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

Mike

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Achieving Inner Peace

Those that find themselves in circumstances that leave them feeling lost, those that have accepted the value - or lack of value - that others have placed upon them and those that have accepted "left overs" from those around them rarely know inner peace. As a matter of fact, they know very little of ANY peace in their lives.

 

Hopefully this week's articles and podcasts have been helpful for those that have struggled with allowing others to determine and control their self-worth. Again, YOU ARE OF GREAT VALUE AND WORTH no matter what anyone else has told you.

 

Yes, you have to start where you are but you have HOPE today - TODAY - of taking a  new path in and for your life! You must know that and believe that and begin to move in a new direction for your life.

 

Notice the graphic: Inner peace begins THE MOMENT you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. In other words, it begins INSTANTLY.

 

Just the DECISION to not allow this anymore in your life will bring a sense of peace into your life. Just the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT that you have allowed others to control how you feel about yourself and how you "look" at yourself will bring a sense of peace into your life.

 

Oh yes, it will likely bring a sense of disappointment in yourself and maybe even a sense of disgust and shame.....but move past that quickly. You have felt that too many times before and for too long.

 

TODAY IS A NEW DAY!

 

Please know again that I know and understand that I am not a psychiatrist or psychologist and that I also know that making such a move and decision could even be dangerous for you in certain situations.

 

Get the help you need to even make that first move away from such a situation and protect yourself but, for yourself and even for your children if you have them with you, you MUST make that move and understand that you DO have so much to offer so many.

 

Inner peace does not mean that all problems disappear. It does not mean that you will not struggle with guilt or question yourself from time to time.

 

It DOES mean that, in spite of those times of negative feelings, you can still find peace KNOWING that you are moving in a different direction with choices made by YOU with a strong belief in your ability to do so and of your WORTH.

 

I'd love to hear from you. And, yes, MEN, this could even be you that is too often overlooked in these type of situations. Yes, even you can struggle with these very things we have been discussing this week.

 

"As long as there is breath, there is hope." - Mike Spillman

 

Yeah, I wrote that and I believe it fully. There is hope as long as you are alive and breathing. Take that hope and let it begin to burn inside to a full flame.

 

And, as you do so, 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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"When the Going Gets Tough..." (Part 1)

"When the Going Gets Tough..." (Part 1)

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

Wow, wouldn't it be great IF that were always true in our own lives? But, let's be honest, it's NOT always true in our own lives, is it?

I was reading an article a few minutes ago and someone made the comment on "self-help" books, (and I quote loosely) "Most of these books work if you do the work. Of course, if you do the work, you don't need the books in the first place."

I think I understand what this person means and, on one level, I agree with them.

But, at the same time, I also find this idea that we can do it all on our own! And, that goes back to that idea of the quote being used for this series of podcasts and blogs (too, don't forget I'm also video taping my podcast - go to the main site to hook up to my YouTube channel - www.MichaelSpillman.com).

It would be GREAT if we could always just blast right through any and all obstacles that get in our way!

But, honestly, we're simply not made that way.

What do I mean? Simply put: WE NEED EACH OTHER!

Isn't that true? As hard as some people may try, it's like the old quote, "No man is an island." Even though people give us headaches and heartaches from time to time the fact remains: WE NEED EACH OTHER!

So, that's one reason I am so thankful that you are reading this. I hope that I'm able to help you with the mindset necessary to keep moving forward. And, let me say this - I NEED YOU and am ENCOURAGED by you when you leave comments and encourage me by letting me know that this helps you even in some small way.

So, bottom line, we don't always GET GOING when things get tough.

That being said, here's the first "end of the quote" I want to use for today:

"When the going gets tough...WE HAVE CHOICES TO MAKE!"

In my opinion we have only TWO choices when things get tough. We can either GIVE UP or we can choose to GET UP!

Oh, I know you've head me say that before - but it's still true and it applies to this situation.

When you get knocked to your knees it's easy to "just stay down" and to try to avoid any more hurt or struggle. It's easy to give up thinking that by doing so the struggle will either ease up or just go away.

FALSE!

You can be assured that it WON'T go away or ease up just because we have chosen to "throw in the towel". There's more to be said on this part and I will be sharing thoughts on this throughout this little series (as well as on the podcast - be sure to listen to them because I don't use a script to make sure that I say the EXACT same thing there and here both!).

But for now, let's all realize that GIVING UP is one decision that you could make when things get tough.

The other? GET UP and KEEP MOVING forward REGARDLESS of the tough situation that is invading your life for the moment.

Don't miss those last three words..."for the moment".

Here's one thing you can count on when it comes to tough times: Tough times come and tough times go.

And, yeah, then they come again. But, guess what? Then they also "go" again.

It's simply part of life and part of BEING ALIVE!

We'll be talking more about what this means for each of us but keep this in mind - YOU ARE CHOOSING A PATH EACH AND EVERY DAY.

Which path are YOU choosing? The path that is part of the "giving up" choice or the path that is part of the "getting up" choice?

Hey, let's get real and honest here. You already know which path you are choosing, don't you?

And, too, some days we choose one path and, on other days we choose the other one.

That being so, aren't you glad we have each other to help out along the way? I know I am!

And I am THANKFUL for you!

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

Mike

The Importance of Self-Analysis

If you don't have the book, "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill - GET IT! If you don't want to order it (you can get it free - just pay s/h - on my site www.FutureYouUniversity.com) then go to the library and check it out OR find a free downloadable version on the internet...JUST GET IT!

This is especially important as we get to this part of the book and you are asked to answer the "self-analysis questions" found toward the end of chapter 15. THIS IS IMPORTANT!

You see, we must decide how serious we really are about this whole idea of improving our lives. You know this as well as I - there are many people that SAY they are but are not willing to put any effort into making that happen. Bottom line...they can talk and say what they want - their actions betray them!

Doesn't that just seem impossible? Yet it happens every single day. You see it in people that complain that they cannot find a job even though the newspaper in front of them may be full of job openings. If you point that out to them they may say, "Oh, but it's not what I want to do. And, besides, it's not the kind of money I need to be making." Or maybe you hear them say something like, "You expect me to work there? Doing that?"

I understand that the job available may not be the job you had envisioned at this point in your life, but did you envision you being jobless at this point in your life? Isn't SOME money better than NO money? Do you not realize that just getting out of the house and doing SOMETHING makes a HUGE impact on your attitude?

Anyway, the same thing can be said of those of us that say we want to improve our attitudes and mindset. We want to be "on board" at increasing the amount of POSITIVE thoughts in our lives and decreasing the amount of NEGATIVE thoughts at the same time.

But, we don't have time to read that article or listen to that podcast.

Oh sure, I get behind (I'm still a month behind on my Success magazine) but I continually work on making sure I am filling my mind with "good stuff" in this area!

But are you also willing to spend a day considering and answering the questions found in the pages of this classic book? Yes, I said a day!

Don't just skim through it and answer the questions without much thought. Take the time - IF you are serious about improving your life - to really consider your answers..and be honest with yourself in doing so!

For example, there are a cluster of questions that ask us to look at our friends and our relationships. Many people do not realize the impact that their friends have on their attitudes and outlook in life. Do you?

So, beyond just ANSWERING the questions we must also consider whether or not we are willing to TAKE ACTION on what we find.

That, my friend, is up to you. All along you have heard/seen me say that no one else can do this for you. I - along with others - can give you as much good, positive material and information as possible...but it is up to YOU as to what you choose to do with it (if anything).

So...if you don't have the book - GET THE BOOK (this is a good indicator of how serious you really are) and go through the self-analysis questions and see what you find out about yourself.

As always, I welcome any and all comments! Feel free to email me at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

And, until tomorrow...

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

Mike

Decision - Even in the Face of Opposition

We talked about how other's OPINIONS many times will stop us/persuade us to step back from making moves in our lives. You have been encouraged to MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS (yes, with proper planning) and not allow the opinions of others (who usually have no idea what they are talking about) to keep us from moving forward with these decisions.

What are you/we afraid of?

Remember, "If you've never failed - you've never lived!"
And, "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

So, what do we have to be afraid of? Anyone out there facing possible DEATH due to their decision? I think not!

Yet, as you read the last part of this chapter 8 in Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich" you will be reminded of the fact that many of our founding fathers faced death - and they stuck to their decision!

Whether you live in the United States of America or not, you can be INSPIRED by the stories that are shared in the last part of this chapter and be ENCOURAGED to move forward with your decisions and NOT be SWAYED by fear!

THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP IN THE PROCESS! (Again, this is MY opinion).

Why?

All the properly laid plans in the world mean absolutely NOTHING if we do not DECIDE to TAKE ACTION with them!

The world is FULL of men and women who have well-laid plans that are gathering dust...and they still remain exactly where they have always been. Stagnant. Dying. Lost.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

I always love hearing from you! Please feel free to share with me your thoughts, concerns, struggles, etc. THIS IS FOR YOU!

Contact me anytime by sending an e-mail to mike@futureyouuniversity.com OR by going to the website on the "contact" tab and sending a message directly from http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com

Either way - I'd love to hear from you!


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


Mike

Magical Monday - STOP WAITING!

I want to encourage you to be sure to listen to today's podcast entitled, "Stop Waiting". This is the first point of five that are included in the FREE REPORT that you can request at my website (http://www.futureyouuniversity.com/). I will be using these five points for my podcasts this week and, part of next.

Due to that, I'm not going to write a lot here about the podcast - get the report and read what is there along with listening to the podcast. However, PLEASE - I'd love to hear any additional thoughts that may come to your mind on these things. Send them to me at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIG SEMINAR PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT coming

this Wednesday, April 22nd!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
You don't want to miss this! Also, please be thinking about some of the things concerning this first seminar event. I NEED YOU! I will be calling you to action on a few things in connection to this first event - so please be ready to hear the announcement and be ready to go into action.

Make today "magical" - it is YOUR choice!

Remember...

"As long as there is breath - there is hope."

And, don't forget to...

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

Mike Spillman

It's "FACE TIME" on "Fun Friday"!!

O.k....here it is, "Fun Friday" once again! And on today's podcast I try to share some things that will not only encourage you to laugh and smile WHILE listening to the podcast or even just today - BUT to take these things I share (especially today) and use them to share the smiles and the laughter as often as possible.

I'm not going to go into great detail on this post as to WHAT I share on the podcast (I want you to listen to it, y'know?) but I will tell you that this is something you can do by yourself, with one other person, with your family, your kids, or any group at just about any time.

And I can promise you that you and everyone else will be laughing HARD before this is all over.

Have you laughed today? Have you smiled today? Have you shared that laugh and smile with anyone?

You know, laughing and smiling by yourself is GREAT! It's a great way to start your morning off and it helps get you in the right frame of mind as you head out for your day.
HOWEVER, I do believe that beyond that - they are meant to be shared and shared often.

You've experienced it, haven't you? Perhaps you are in a grumpy mood and someone comes along that helps lift your spirits and helps bring a smile to your face? (Oh, I know, sometimes it's the wrong person and the wrong time and you just want to slap them, right? - yes, it's o.k. to laugh at that feeling too!)

Now, take that as a challenge - realize that YOU have the power to brighten someone else's day. Not in a "fake" way. Be real. Smile a "real" smile brought on by the joy that you have inside. Share a kind word, an encouraging word. And see what happens.

My wife is a "pro" at this. She has demonstrated this to me for years. Like everyone else, she has worked with some pretty "crabby" people from time to time. But she will determine that SHE will be the one to help change that by smiling, being kind and considerate and not allowing THEM to bring HER down. Instead, she is determined to bring THEM up! And, you know what? it works!

I have seen this happen with her time and time again. And, even when she just goes down to the grocery store she does this with those that come into contact with her up and down the aisles. She tells me how amazing it is and how many people seem to be "drawn" to her, just because of this attitude. (Hey, if you haven't done so, go back and read and listen to Wednesday's post and podcast on "Seek and Ye Shall Find").

So, SHARE YOUR JOY and HAPPINESS today!

Take the things I share with you in today's podcast and use them to spread the laughter! What a great thing to do!

And...as always....

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


Mike

"Seek and Ye Shall Find"

In today's podcast I discuss the words of Jesus, "Ask and it shall be given to you, Seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened." And, no, I didn't preach a sermon, but used this as a springboard to today's discussion - "Seek and Ye Shall Find"

Think about it - what are you searching for? What do you FIND in your life? If you find your life full of negative people, thoughts and ideas then perhaps you need to start SEEKING something better!

You will FIND what you are looking for! I share the story of a country store clerk that has a discussion with a gentleman coming in from out of town. He asks the store clerk (while the store clerk's son looks on) what kind of people live in this town. The store clerk replies by asking the man what kind of people live in the town from which he is moving. The gentleman talks of how wonderful they are and that they are loving and helpful. He was relieved to hear the store clerk inform him that this was exactly what kind of people lived in this town!
The next day, another gentleman comes in and, with the same situation confronting him, asks the store clerk (once again with his son watching) the same question which, in turn, received the same reply from the store clerk - "What kind of people live in the town from which you're moving?" This gentleman responded talking about how terrible these people were...mean, unkind and uncaring. This man was disappointed to hear the store clear inform him that this was exactly what kind of people lived in this town!
Confused, the boy asked his father (after the gentleman left the store) why he gave two completely different answers about the same town. "It's all in what you are looking for, son." the man replied. "If you are looking for nice people, you'll find them and if you are looking for mean and nasty people, that, too, is what you will find."

It's true in our lives as well! If you "wear your feelings on your sleeve" and take everything as an offense - guess what? Your day will be filled with feeling offended. All day. Every day.
Now, sometimes, this is a problem that may need to be worked out with some professional help. Some people have an attitude about themselves that they do not DESERVE anything better and, so, they DESERVE all of this negativity in their lives. (Ever know of a person that kept marrying the same type of destructive personality?)

So, you see, as is the case so often with these issues - THE CHOICE IS YOURS!

Are you familiar with "The Attractor Factor" or the "law of attraction"? I'm not sure I agree with every bit of it, but I DO agree that you attract what you exude.

Might I encourage you to decide once and for all to CHOOSE to FIND the GOOD and the POSITIVE that does, indeed, surround each one of us?

This is more important today than perhaps ever before in our lives!

What are YOU looking for? "Seek and ye shall find..."

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

Mike Spillman

Peace of Mind (in a world of chaos)

In today's podcast I share with you 3 specific things you can do that will help you gain PEACE even in a world that is full of chaos.

Can you relate?

I'm sure you can - we all struggle from time to time with people, events or things that tend to rob us of our peace. The result? A life full of turmoil - and that, my friend, is not the life that you, nor I wish for ourselves or our families.

Let's face it - OUR MIND IS A BATTLEFIELD! It's a common struggle for us all everyday - controlling (or patrolling) our minds to keep them as free as possible from the negative pollution that surrounds us.

George Washington said this about peace:

"There is nothing so likely to produce peace as to be well prepared to meet the enemy."

Let's change that up just a little bit so that it will apply to what we are discussing today.

"There is nothing so likely to produce PEACE OF MIND as to be well prepared to meet the enemy."

So, the 1st step in gaining peace of mind is to IDENTIFY THE ENEMY! (worry? distrust? doubt?) What is it for you? Identify it so that you can...

2. Meet (and DEFEAT) that enemy! Do battle by filling your mind with right and positive things!

And, finally -

3. Give peace a chance! (Yeah, I know it's a song.) Give your mind a break and see what happens!

Yes, it IS possible - BELIEVE IT AND WORK/FIGHT FOR IT - to gain peace of mind in a chaotic world.

I shared the following item on the podcast and mentioned that I would include it in today's blog so that you can focus on it and absorb it a little better. The author is unknown - but it is really good stuff!

Symptoms of Inner Peace
A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experience
An unmistakable ability to enjoy the moment
A loss of interest in judging other people
A loss of interest in judging self
A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others
An inability to worry (this is a very serious symptom!)
Frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation
Frequent acts of smiling
An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than to make them happen
An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

These are the kind of "symptoms" that are GOOD to have, wouldn't you agree!

Together, we can do even this ----

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

Mike