A Purpose in Life

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

We've been talking about living a life of purpose and what that means for each one of us in our own individual lives. We've talked about the fact that living a life of SELF is NOT living a life of purpose and that, in reality, this is a very lonely way to live. We then discussed the fact that we need to be living a life of service and that we don't need to be waiting for the opportunity to serve to arrive...it's around each and every day right where we are.

Today I want to discuss the idea of there being "A" particular purpose in life for you. Know what I mean? Sometimes when people have "near death" experiences they feel that God saved them and kept them here for "A" purpose and they try hard to try to discover what that purpose is. And, from my experience, these people get very frustrated trying to figure out what that one, singular purpose is for their life.

Let's compare it to this example: Have you ever heard the idea that some have that there is ONE "true love" out there (where the heck is "out there"?) and that they will be happy ONLY if they find that ONE true love. Hey, what happens if that person dies before you have a chance to meet them? What happens if that person lives on the other side of the world and you never get the chance to meet them? Does that mean that you can NEVER be happy? OF COURSE NOT!

I believe it to be the same when it comes to having a purpose in life as opposed to living a life OF purpose. "A" denotes one, singular purpose and the idea that this is the ONLY purpose that fits you and your life. I really don't believe that to be true. Let me share a personal example of the struggle that can come from this type of thinking.

Back in the summer of 2009 my wife had a heart attack - a "one-in-a-million" type of heart attack that has nothing to do with cholesterol or bad eating habits, blockage or ANYTHING like that. She had a vein split in her heart and she nearly died. I'm not exaggerating - she had to be "shocked" back to life on two different occasions during this horrible ordeal. To make this short, she not only survived but she is doing extremely well, has had NO after effects of the heart attack and no damage to her heart at all. Yeah, I DO believe in miracles.

She, like many in situations like this, felt that God kept her here for a reason - a particular purpose - and, in her emotional state following this "near death experience" she became very frustrated trying to figure out what this ONE particular purpose might be for her life. She kept trying to figure out what it was that God had planned for her - what it was that she needed to do to fulfill this purpose that he saved her for. I finally got through to her (or at least I think I did) when I told her that maybe she needed to stop thinking of some BIG purpose and to maybe consider that God kept her here because I needed her, her children needed her, her parents needed her, her friends needed her. We ALL needed her to be with us and to continue to be a blessing to us and to continue to bring joy to our lives. I think that finally hit home to her...the idea that, perhaps, her purpose was to be a blessing anywhere and everywhere she went.

That's living a life OF purpose ON purpose.

I want to encourage you to do the same. Don't wait. Stop waiting. Realize that you have an opportunity to live a life of purpose each and every day. Live life ON purpose and PURPOSE (determine) to do this everyday, everywhere.

Remember that list that you put together yesterday? Don't forget that and don't forget to approach each and every day ON purpose and as your purpose for life today.

Stop waiting. Start doing, start sharing, start living.

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

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

Mike

Purpose in Serving

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

We've already discussed the fact that living a life of SELF is NOT a life of purpose and, more than likely, it is a lonely life.

So, no need to discuss that further, right? Let's move on now to what living a life of purpose DOES consist of in our lives. SERVING OTHERS! I've already talked recently about the importance of taking our eyes off of ourselves and noticing those around us and using our God-given talents and abilities to reach out and help. I've also recently shared the emphasis given in the Bible about not being here to BE served but TO serve.

Please, whatever you do, don't wait until ___________________ (you fill in the blank) happens before you begin to live a life of purpose through serving others. Some are waiting until they get enough money (rich?) to be able to do BIG things before they start. Some are waiting until this and that.....and, all the while, opportunities to serve pass them by every day.

DON'T LET THAT BE YOU!

Don't miss the opportunities you have right before you with your family - especially your children. Let them see - TEACH BY DOING - you involved in serving others and help them learn the importance of living a life of purpose that involves something/someone other than themselves.

Look at those around you - yes, even your coworkers and brainstorm ways that you can PURPOSE your time with them to be a blessing...an ENCOURAGEMENT. On more than once occasion my wife has begun working a new job to be warned about different people (especially in management) that were grumpy and that never smiled. My wife would actually take that on as a challenge with a determination (a PURPOSE) that she would make sure that she talked to them, was kind to them and got them to smile at LEAST once every time she worked. And, guess what? She did and they did. She did what she set out to do and they DID smile at LEAST once while working with her. As a matter of fact, one female manager who was known to be a "sour-puss" got to where she would light up with a smile every time she saw my wife at the start of a shift and she even ended up knitting my wife some sort of a "throw" to be used while lying on the couch or sitting in a chair.

Pretty cool, huh?

Now, on Monday I asked you to be jotting some things down on paper as to what this whole idea of living a life of purpose meant for you in your life. Here's where you can get down to the "meat" of the matter. Make a list of as many people as you can that you normally come into contact with on an average day. Your family, neighbors, co-workers, bosses, garage attendant, your child's school bus driver, teacher, etc. Make as an extensive list as you can and then take a moment and be amazed at how many people you impact each and every day. Then, take some time - maybe do five at a time - and write down how you can PURPOSE to be a blessing in that persons life beginning NOW.

Hey, some of you will, some of you won't but it doesn't change the fact that ALL of you (us) CAN and, quite honestly, SHOULD be seeking ways to serve more.

Yes my friend, there IS purpose in serving. And, if being selfish is a life of loneliness then I would think that SERVING would be a life of happiness!

Check it out. Put it to the test and see what you find to be true. Let me know - I'd love to hear from you!

Join me tomorrow as we continue this discussion but, until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

Selfishness Is NOT Purpose

If you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the blog from yesterday as I began this discussion on "Living a Life of Purpose" before you go on with this one. Well, go on.  Well, I mean, you don't HAVE to do that but it might help as you read today's blog entry.

In tomorrow's blog I'm going to begin talking about what a life of purpose really is but I thought I'd spend a little time today talking about what it is NOT. And, as you can tell from the title of today's blog alone with the graphic at the top, a life of purpose is NOT about SELF!

We definitely live in a self-centered world, don't we? Oh, I know - and am thankful - that there seems to be a shift among many in our world today toward understanding the need to live a life of service. But I'd suggest that for every person - especially younger person - that is beginning to understand the importance of this fact, there are maybe five that are still focused on themselves.

I've recently discussed how this may come about by never helping our children understand that, as a matter of fact, they really AREN'T the cutest kid in the world and they really AREN'T the smartest one, either. Again, I get being proud of our kids but, at some point, we MUST help them make that transition over to reality and a more meaningful purpose for their existence.

Me, me, me, me. Just listen to those around you as they talk and you will likely hear this word (or "I") more than just about any other. Wow, I get really tired of listening to someone that does that, don't you? As a matter of fact, I will usually tune them out rather quickly and move on to someone else for a conversation with some actual substance.

Many times self-centered people will try to convince you that they are happy and, hey, they may even have all of the"bling" to make you think that this may even be so! I mean, they have focused so completely on themselves that they had NOTHING to stop them from doing anything and everything necessary to collect all of the "stuff" that many want to attach to mean "success".

However, I truly believe that no matter how much they try to convince you or others that they are happy, they really aren't. Of even more significance is the fact that, regardless of how much they try to convince THEMSELVES that they are happy they are, more likely, very lonely and miserable.

Living a life of self is a lonely life. Why? Because there is no one else in your world but YOU. Oh sure, there may be some people around that enjoy getting the perks of being your "friend". But as soon as those perks "dry up" or you try to test them to see if they are there because of those perks or because they actually LIKE you... well, get ready for the echo of your own voice.

Listen friend, we are all here for something bigger and better than ourselves! Please - PLEASE - if you have any teens still at home (or even in college and still coming to your home) spend some time "picking their brain" to see where they are in this process. So many do nothing and expect EVERYTHING given to them. Oh, I do know that there are some exceptions but I'm talking about what I have seen as the majority.

And, while you are at it - do a little self-examination, too and see what you find. Hey, it's easy to get caught up in this "me" thing. But remember - a life of purpose is NOT a life focused on self.

I hope you'll join me again tomorrow and that you'll remember to...

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

Mike

Living Life On Purpose

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."

pur-pose [pur puhs] - noun     1. the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. 2. an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal. 3. determination; resoluteness. 4. the subject in hand; the point at issue. 5. practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose

                                                                                                                                                                verb (used with object)  6. to set as a aim, intention, or goal for oneself.  7. to intend; design.  8. to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.                                       (www.dictionary.com)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

I wanted to be sure to include both the noun and verb usage of this word because of the importance of these meanings in this discussion. I'll be referring back to parts of this definition throughout this article but I want you to take another look at it and put some thoughts into it in connection with the title of this article, "Living Life On Purpose".

Purpose is the "reason for which something exists" - we ALL have purpose in life. Notice I didn't say "a" purpose? We'll get to that in a bit. But here's what I want to discuss for now...are you living a life OF purpose?

You know, sometimes it's nice to not really have anything to do and just "wander aimlessly" through your day or even week. I'm not sure how often you've gotten to do that but, after a while - as good as it sounds - that can get OLD! We're really not "wired" to sit around and do nothing. We're really not "wired" to not have focus and direction.

That being said, we need to be living a life OF purpose!

Why do I keep emphasizing the word "of"? Because there is a big difference between living a life OF purpose and having A purpose in life. But, for now - TODAY - I simply want you to ask yourself if you are living a life OF purpose.

Again, go back to the definition above and ask yourself if you are living a life of determination and resolution. A life of FOCUS. You might want to take out a notebook (old school, I know) or whatever way you choose, and write your thoughts down as they come. Don't worry about organizing them for now - just write down what comes to mind.

The thoughts, the questions, the discoveries...write it all down and then join me tomorrow as I continue this discussion. One final thought on a life of purpose...it doesn't matter WHO you are, WHERE you have been or WHAT you have done. Remember, your past DOES NOT determine your future! You can still live a life OF PURPOSE!

Be sure to join me tomorrow as I continue these thoughts and, until then, jot down those ideas and, whatever you do, be sure to...

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

Smart Phone Dumb

Don't forget! Today is "Thankful Thursday"...express thanks for all that you have for which to give thanks!

Be sure to listen to today's podcast if you haven't done so already. Although the blog article is on the same topic, I don't use a script so that both are the same word for word. You can follow the podcast here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739 .

Well, I finally "gave in" after much refusal and bought a "smart phone" the other day.Why? For one, the phone I have been using is one that I've had since 2006 and, as you know, in technological years, that is a bit out of date and almost obsolete. But, hey, it did what I needed it to do...simply MAKE PHONE CALLS! But, I also have never gotten a new battery for this phone and the battery that is in it has really been weak for some time now. I've "limped along" for the past several months saying that "soon" I would replace it but I still was fighting the idea that I needed to get a phone that would also text, among other things.

It seems that the world around me has gotten so "hooked" on texting that everyone ASSUMES that I am able to text from my phone. I'm not sure how many times I've had people say to me, "I'll just text that to you" to which I would have to tell them - much to their surprise - that I did not test.

NOT ANYMORE! This old dog is learning new tricks and, due to some phone companies now offering flat "unlimited" rates that is as cheap as my "calling minutes only" plan with a major carrier - I caved and bought the smart phone.

I don't feel any smarter, though. As a matter of fact, as I have been working on getting this "smart phone" set up I actually feel DUMBER! But that's o.k. I didn't buy the phone to put on the appearance of being "smart". But, my guess is that there are many people in this world that have done just that...bought some phone or other gadget in hopes that it would make them appear to be "smart".

Guess what. It didn't.

I've come across so many people that complain about being "broke" and "barely getting by" and on and on while sporting one of these expensive-plan "smart phones" at a cost of $100 or more each month to have the privilege of doing a lot of nothing. (By the way - another pet peeve of mine is this: if you have one of these things PLEASE learn to PUT THAT THING DOWN around other people!).

How is it "smart" to have to try to scrape money together for something that you could get for a lot less with a lot less of the "bells and whistles" on it? Friends, I don't care who you are - that is NOT smart!

So, a "smart phone" won't make you smart or even LOOK smart. Neither will "fake glasses", a certain kind of computer, tablet, car or name brand of clothes. Nope. Not one bit.

As I get older I realize that what really makes a person smart is how they live based on what they have learned. What they have learned from others and what they have learned by living life. A person is smart that has learned that this world does NOT revolve around them and that we can ALL learn something from each other along the way.

A person is smart who, after such observation as was just discussed, has learned to treat people with kindness and respect and, for those who have not learned these lessons yet and "push our buttons" by their own selfish behavior - to sometimes learn to bite our tongues and try to help guide them along the way.

A smart person will not always feel the need to TELL you but will often rather SHOW you by example.

A smart person will be slow to judge because they realize that they, themselves, are an unfinished project.

How "smart" are you? How is THIS "education" coming along?

In case you didn't know, school for THIS education is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and it is being held wherever you are at any given time.

Enjoy. Learn. Grow. Strive to become "smarter" each and every day and, as you do so, be sure to...

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

Mike

When Your Journey is Interrupted

DELAYS MAY TAKE LONGER THAN EXPECTED

I really don't like detours when I'm trying to get somewhere - do you?

For one, I think it is the uncertainty that I will actually be able to maneuver through the detour route and still get where it is that I want to go.

And, secondly, it is simply an interruption to my planned path on my journey and I just don't like it to change unexpectedly like that!

It's especially hard when this detour is not on a trip traveled in an automobile or some other mode of transportation, but it's a detour in your planned journey (path) for your life!

I've talked about this before in past blogs and podcasts. As a matter of fact, I've done several little "mini-series" on this topic off and on over the history of this blog - just go back through and see what you can find.

But, you know what? It's TOUGH to live it, isn't it? Yeah, you know, the old, "Easier said than done" scenario.

Many of you know that I lost my job back mid-August of 2010. Purely unexpected but, at the same time, not unwelcomed. I was already trying to "plan a route" to where I could do so financially while I pursued my dream of my seminars with my "Future You University" concept.

Well, here I am now at the end of July 2011 and not a whole lot has changed. Oh, I have made attempts to get my seminar started but, quite honestly, it was ill-timed and I was not financially prepared to do it in the way I had planned. Too, other opportunities that I have looked at to try to see us through in the mean time just hasn't worked out. I am starting a new "job" but it will likely be another month before I see any income from it which is not good news right now.

Because of all of this, I stopped doing my podcast after losing my job last August because I didn't know where I was going to be and when and I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up with my daily schedule like before. I began it again earlier this year more for me than anything but discontinued it again because, quite honestly, I was having a hard time keeping MY OWN mental attitude where it needed to be.

Surprised?

Don't be! I don't think you'll ever find any situation (podcast or blog) where I said keeping a positive attitude even through tough times would be easy. Never. It's NOT!

But, I still have a choice. Give in, give up or GET UP and KEEP MOVING forward even though my path/journey has been redirected due to a detour.

Still easier said than done for sure.

So, I'm struggling big time! Financially, I'm lower than a pregnant ant's belly! And, on some days, the same can be said of my mental attitude. Yeah, that's right - I'm human.

Believe me, there have been days where I felt like giving up and, honestly, there are days that I DID give up temporarily.

That's the key. Make any such situations a TEMPORARY one.

Yes, I WILL still have my seminars but it will be later than I had planned since I had planned to be well involved in them at this point. But, I will continue on that path REGARDLESS of any detours that continue to come my way.

So, I encourage you to do the same. REGARDLESS.

I can - you can - WE can!

And, as you go along this detoured path...

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

Mike

Dream BIG and Do It TODAY!

Dream BIG and Do It TODAY!

I've been discussing the importance of rediscovering and following "the music" or your dreams. I get excited when I think about the feeling you will - notice I said WILL and not "might" - receive when you begin to uncover and rediscover what you once dreamed about and got excited about!

Again, it's so easy to allow "life" to clutter our world in such a way as to "cover up" those dreams and goals and to make it hard - if not impossible - to hear the music that use to make us smile, laugh and dance!

I was reminded once again last night of how natural "music" is to our lives. Our youngest son, Jordan, spent the weekend at his grandparents and, during that time, they kept their great-grandson for the day. Jordan plays the guitar and talked about how Cayden would immediately start smiling and dancing whenever he heard Jordan start playing the guitar.

IT'S A NATURAL THING!

And, even when talking about actual music, we sometimes forget what a joy it is to hear, smile and dance to the music once we become adults!

Let me ask you this: Do you do the "Bootie Shake" during my FUN FRIDAY podcast? If you don't know what I'm talking about, find any of my Friday podcasts and listen in - I do this each and every Friday as part of the podcast - we do the BOOTIE SHAKE! (Yes, I know "bootie" is not spelled correctly - that's part of the fun!). As part of the recording I play some "dance music" and encourage the listeners to stand up and "shake their BOOTIE" regardless of what others might think!

And, I know that many are afraid to do that - I'm not sure what they are afraid of, but we don't want people to look at us funny. But, I also know of some that have told me that they have done it, got some strange looks but loved it, did it anyway and smiled and laughed!

Somewhere down the line we have begun to give too much precedence to what OTHERS THINK and less significance to what MAKES US SMILE!

Please understand that I know we have a responsibility to others and that we cannot live a life of "if it feels good, do it" with complete disregard to anyone else. I think you know that's not what I'm suggesting so don't allow that thought to keep you from "hearing the message" for today!

LIVE AGAIN! LAUGH AGAIN! DREAM AGAIN!

Begin to follow that "rediscovered" dream and begin to hear that music once again that brings joy to your soul and see what happens.

I'd love to hear from you - your fears, your excitement, your anticipation - as you begin to "dream big and dream big TODAY".

And, all along the way be sure to...

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

Mike

Begin to Dream Again!

Begin to Dream Again!

Taking the main thought from yesterday's article - Can you still hear the music? Or, as I talk about on today's podcast, have you allowed the music (passion, drive, dream) to be buried by negative thoughts and influences to the point that it can no longer be heard and enjoyed?

It's easy for us to allow this to happen, so don't beat yourself up too much.

It's easy because it usually doesn't happen all at once but a little bit at a time and a little bit each and every day. Then, after a while, we have failed to even notice that the "music" is gone and, instead, we have replaced it with "noise".

Today I want to encourage you to DREAM AGAIN!

Here are the questions that I said we would address today - "If money were not an issue, what would you be doing right now?" - "Are you doing that right now - today?" - "If not, why not?"

Again, remember - IF MONEY WERE NOT AN ISSUE (because I know that's our first "objection" to this scenario and the first "reason/excuse" we use as to why we AREN'T living that life)!

Somewhere along the way we have lost our passion and our the joy of our dream (the "music") in our lives and for our lives. And we wonder why we often feel unhappy and unfulfilled?

Maybe it was the idea that we had to "get a real job" and give up on our dreams. Maybe it was the lure of something else that took us off course.

Whatever the reason, I want to encourage you to uncover that dream once again!

Now, I understand that you may not be able to make the living that you desire by that dream alone (but, then again, perhaps you could!), but I still want you to get excited about uncovering that "hidden treasure" that you have left out of your life for so long.

Have you ever discovered a box from your attic that contained some items from your childhood? Do you remember the excitement and child-like feeling that you had when you began to rediscover those items and the thoughts and feelings along with them? Do you remember the joy? The thrill? Did you begin talking and sharing with those there with you about what each item was and why you kept it? My guess is you were like a kid all over again!

THIS IS WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!

Just the very fact that you decide to "uncover" and rediscover those dreams (the "music") that you once had will excite you - IF you will allow yourself this joy and pleasure!

Beware of the negative talk in your own mind as well as what may come from others. You may tell yourself, "Oh, just leave that alone - what good will it do to think about it again? You'll never be able to do it anyway, so why even think about it?"

DO IT ANYWAY!

I believe you will feel that same exhilaration that I described above in the scenario of opening a box from your youth.

Do this a little each and every day and feel some joy come back into your life. Feel some hope begin to show up as well. You may very well even discover (as well as your family and those around you) that you are a little happier and not as grumpy and negative as before!

Why? Because you have allowed yourself to "hear the music" or to dream once again!

And finally, one last suggestion - find a way to begin to incorporate these dreams back into your life once again. Just a little at a time begin to find ways to enjoy them in your life.

Perhaps it will be in the evenings or on the weekends...whatever and whenever - just do it and see what happens!

Hey, I'm excited for you!

And, as you do, let the "music move you" like it did once before!

And, hey friend, don't forget to...

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

Mike

"Ask and..."

Ask and...

...it shall be given to you.

That's the first of the 3 parts of the concept we began talking about yesterday: "The Concept of A.S.K." , a Biblical concept which, I believe, can be applied to all areas of our lives and one that I believe can get us back "on track" to living the life of our dreams and our passion.

Yesterday we talked about raising the level of our expectation. But, the question is this: how do you know that your level of expectation NEEDS to be raised?

You have to ASK the right questions about your life and be willing to find the answers!

We should ALL be constantly asking ourselves questions about what we are doing and/or trying to accomplish in and with our lives so that we may stay "on course" or "on track" in this pursuit.

What questions should we be asking?

1. Why am I here? What is my PURPOSE for being on this earth? Hopefully you have come to realize that you are not here for you alone! We are all connected by those around us and the ever decreasing size of our world thanks to the technology that exists today.

Last week we talked about the fact that you are UNIQUELY you! There is NO ONE ELSE in the whole world like you! You leave a very unique "life fingerprint" on your world and the question we asked concerning this was, "What imprint are YOU leaving behind?".

It's pretty much the same question just worded differently.

2. What Am I Doing to Fulfill This Purpose? Once I understand what my purpose is (you may never come up with the complete answer and you will likely see the answer slowly unfold before you over the course of time) I must then ask myself the question of, "What am I doing about it?"

3. HOW Will I Fulfill or Continue to Fulfill This Purpose? This is the "what action is needed" part of the equation - WHAT DO I DO?

Are you serious about asking these questions? Will you spend the time necessary to adequately explore the possible answers to these powerful questions about your life?

4. Will I? This is likely the most important question that MUST be answered. You see, going through the process of discovering your purpose and what you must do to fulfill that purpose is a wonderful - and needed - thing in our lives. However, if we are not willing to actually DO something about it, it really doesn't amount to much, does it?

You see, the part of the "A.S.K. Concept" on this part is, "...and it will be given to you."

Do you expect it to just be dropped in your lap? I hope not! But many do!

The answers WILL be revealed to you IF you sincerely want to know the answers! You may ask, "Why would anyone ask a question that they don't want the answer to?" It happens all of the time and you likely even do it from time to time.

Sometimes the "action" of asking the questions pacifies us to the point of "feeling good" and thinking we have done all we need to do. Sure, we may be willing to ask the questions - but are we willing to really look for the answers?

And, then, when the answers are revealed are we willing to take ACTION with those answers?

"Ask and it WILL be given to you!" That's a promise for those that genuinely ask.

This is more difficult than one might think. It takes the willingness to be 100% honest with yourself and really look deep at who you are and why you're here and what you are or aren't doing about it. And then, the hardest part... the decision to take action on what you find.

I wish you success on this journey that we are discussing this week. Make no mistake, the journey will go far beyond this week, my friend! This journey will likely take you weeks and months if not years but, in my opinion, it is one we MUST all take if we are serious about living up to our potential and living a life of passion. This also will lead to living the life of your dreams.

And, as you travel this journey, always remember to...

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

Mike

Purpose + Passion

Wow! What a POWERFUL equation!

We've already talked about our PURPOSE in life and that each of us needs to understand that, indeed, we were put here on PURPOSE and FOR a purpose - not by accident!

We also have talked about how, generally speaking, we are all here for the same purpose - helping each other along the way. Service - doing for others without expecting something in return.

Yesterday we talked about how EXCITING our lives can be when, understanding this purpose, we begin to live our lives ON purpose! I hope that hasn't confused you with the way I've worded that. I expounded on it quite a bit in the podcast and in yesterday's blog entry so that, hopefully, you would follow what I was saying about that.

Bottom line is this: REGARDLESS of your job, your pay scale, your educational level and any other factors that you may want to throw in there - YOU have the ability TODAY to approach your day/life with the intention (on PURPOSE) of putting your PURPOSE (service) into place NOW!

This breathes new breath into each day, doesn't it? It should!

This can also bring a sense of FUN into our lives as we seek out ways to serve others and especially when we can do so without their knowing who was responsible.

Now, for some of you, the words "excitement" and "fun" seem like foreign words when used in conjunction to your work. But that no longer needs to be true!

Start an epidemic! YOU can be responsible for impacting YOUR workplace in a powerful and positive way and, in so doing, impact YOUR LIFE in the same way.

On PURPOSE and FULL of purpose!

So, what does this mean as far as your "specific" purpose in life.

I can't answer that for you. That's not a "cop out" - it's a fact.

You've read it and heard it many times before, though - follow your PASSION and try to find a way to have that PASSION serve as your life's work and the way to support you and your family financially.

But, again, even RIGHT NOW, you can bring a new passion to your work! You don't have to wait until you discover the ultimate way to make this happen in your life. It can begin - to some extent - in your life RIGHT NOW!

Try it, you'll like it and you'll like it a LOT!

Now, if you're already doing what you love - your passion - then add this ingredient of PURPOSE to the mix and see what happens.

As I mentioned in my podcast, there is nothing wrong with having great wealth for that great wealth can allow you to SERVE in a much larger way and on a larger scale than you could do without that wealth. WILL YOU? ARE YOU?

Yes, there are some that have wealth that focus all of their thoughts on themselves - but there are many out there that understand this "purpose" and are doing great things.

PURPOSE + PASSION is an unstoppable force for good!

Are you getting excited yet? I'm about to jump out of my skin here! I really am!

This quote that I used earlier in the week still rings in my ears. Consider it one more time with me today:

"One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one's life has meaning, that one is needed in this world." - HANNAH SENESH

Friend, once we begin to live our lives KNOWING that our life has meaning and that we are, indeed, NEEDED in this world - we are living a life of our dreams.

Purpose + Passion = Life Worth Living

Think about it. Begin living it and sharing it (your purpose) TODAY and, as you do so...

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

Mike

Living Life ON Purpose!

So far this week we have talked about the fact that EACH of us has a PURPOSE for being here - we are all here for a reason! You are NOT here by accident and you are NOT here to just "take up space"!

We also talked about the need to understand that our general purpose while here on this earth is to serve our fellow man, to be of service to those around us and, overall, to do what we can to lift each other up and lighten each other's load.

In today's podcast we talk about the need to live life ON purpose! What does that mean?

Some people just coast through life with no real direction and no real focus - BUT NOT YOU! You understand that you have a meaning, a PURPOSE in life and you understand the need to be aware of the opportunities that are available to you each and every day to LIVE this life of PURPOSE!

With that in mind, you LIVE EACH DAY WITH PURPOSE! And, you do it ON purpose - it's not by accident. You purposely seek out these opportunities to do good, to share a smile, to say a kind word, etc.

When you do so, you begin to take the focus and attention off of your own problems and they seem to become lighter. Why? Simple. YOUR FOCUS has shifted! Instead of putting all of your focus on your problems (which leads us to the proverbial "making a mountain out of a molehill") you begin to focus your attention on others and how you can make a positive impact on the lives of those around you!

ANYONE can do this! There is no special requirement. You don't have to be of a certain income bracket to do this and it doesn't matter where you live or what your job is - ANYONE can do this!

But the main question is this - ANYONE can...but will YOU take advantage of this great opportunity?

Let's look at the quotes that I shared on today's podcast and consider the importance of what is being said for us today...


"One needs something to believe in, something for which one can have whole-hearted enthusiasm. One needs to feel that one's life has meaning, that one is needed in this world." - HANNAH SENESH

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."

"I'm doing what I think I was put on this earth to do. And I'm really grateful to have something that I'm passionate about and that I think is profoundly important." - both by MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN

“We are possessed by what we pursue.” - GERRY NESBITT



The way to LIVE LIFE ON PURPOSE and WITH PURPOSE is to KNOW that our life has meaning and that we are, indeed, NEEDED in this world! And, each and every day, NOT IGNORE the small daily differences that we can make that will add up to BIG differences in the lives of those around us.

So, as is true with everything else we discuss here - this is a CHOICE!

You can simply ENDURE life or you can live a life OF purpose ON purpose!

I think I'll choose to live a life OF purpose ON purpose - won't you?

And, as you do, remember to...

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

Mike

Living a Life of PURPOSE

"Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time." - Marian Wright Edelman

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose." -Robert Byrne

"We are here on earth to do good for others. What the others are here for, I don't know."
- W. H. Auden

As we continue to talk about "PURPOSE" and, more specifically today, "Living a Life of PURPOSE" it is interesting to notice these quotes that have shed light on this very topic.

In a very general sense we are going to discuss the PURPOSE that each of us has in our lives - this is a common theme for each and every one of us. You likely can pick up on it already just from reading the quotes provided so far.

Regardless of who you are, where you live, what your economic situation is - we are all here for one general purpose: Doing good for others or, said in a different way - SERVICE!

Now, we will try to get a little more specific as far as determining our INDIVIDUAL purpose in life - but this is a MUST for our starting point!

Zig Ziglar said it this way: "If you can dream it, then you can achieve it. You will get all you want in life if you help enough other people get what they want."

I emphasized that last part of his quote because it speaks to the topic at hand - notice what he says! You see, living a PURPOSEFUL life of SERVICE TO/FOR OTHERS is not exclusive of being a success - even a financial success - in our world today!

So, you see, it really DOESN'T matter who you are, where you live or how much money you do or don't have! We can ALL look around us and reach out to those around us and do SOMETHING for them to help them in some small (yet, likely bigger than we realize) way!

I really believe that, until we begin to understand this and even PRACTICE this in our own lives, we will NEVER discover our "specific" purpose for our lives. Why? Because, until we start understanding this basic principle we will continue to live a life focused only on ourselves.

Remember, you were put here for a PURPOSE! You were placed on this earth for a REASON! And, for each and every one of us, that general purpose and reason is to help EACH OTHER! Think about how POWERFUL that is when you really look at it closely.

Living a life focused on ourselves is not really living at all. Here's one final quote that emphasizes this truth:

A useless life is an early death. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

None of us wants to feel as if we are living a "useless life". We ALL want to know and feel that we have a PURPOSE and a REASON for being here. Open your eyes, look around you. See and live PURPOSE for your life!

And, as you do so...

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

Mike

PURPOSE

PURPOSE: –noun
* the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
* an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

–verb
* to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
* to intend; design.
* to resolve (to do something)

The above definitions come from dictionary.com . Take a good look at the definitions and think about what that means for you and your life as we discuss the question:

"WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?"

What is the reason for your existence? What is the reason for you being made/born? I'm sure these are questions that you have contemplated many times before and you may have yet to come up with a satisfactory answer for yourself!

I CAN answer one thing about this for you with 100% certainty! Now, this may sound a big presumptuous - but I KNOW I can and I KNOW I can do so with 100% accuracy! Are you ready?

I can tell you with 100% accuracy what your purpose is NOT! It is NOT to just "take up space" while you are here. That, my friend, is one thing I am sure of!

Yes, you may have been told this at some point during your life or even perhaps all of your life. And, chances are, if this is the case that you STILL struggle with the concept that you are here for MORE than just "taking up space".

Yes, I know that you may have been told, "All you're good for is taking up space!" or some variation of that - and you may have began to believe it after a while and you may STILL believe it to some extent even today.

LISTEN TO ME - You are here for a REASON and there is a PURPOSE for your existence! This is also something that I can state with 100% certainty!

And, hopefully, over the next few days I can help you at least begin to understand what your purpose just might be in this life. But, be assured - YOUR LIFE DOES HAVE PURPOSE!

Here are a few quotes I shared on today's podcast (from http://www.wisdomquotes.com/):

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." (Epictetus)
"Life is what you make of it. Always has been, always will be." (Grandma Moses)

I also shared a listed quote that comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in the Bible. This is the section of Scripture that the group, The Byrds, used in the most popular version of this song ("Turn, Turn, Turn) when it was released on October 1, 1965.

The main focus of these verses? There is a REASON (and a time) for EVERYTHING! This includes YOU, my friend!

I really don't believe in accidents. I believe that everything happens for a REASON! I gave the example on the podcast about how our youngest son, Jordan (now 19 at this writing) was not "planned". This is often referred to as an "accident". This happened at a very difficult time in our lives when I was out of work and we had very little money. HOWEVER, I do believe that his birth was for a PURPOSE and not by accident! Listen to the podcast to hear more on this story - I think you'll enjoy it.

HERE'S THE POINT FOR TODAY:

YOU are here for a REASON! Your life has PURPOSE!

Know that! Believe that! Absorb that as a FACT and allow your subconscious mind to accept it as TRUTH so that it can then reaffirm that back to you as such.

Tomorrow we will try to look at what your purpose IS in life - in a general way. Though general (applies to us all) it may very well help you to become more specific in realizing your purpose in life.

Until then...

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

Mike