"Flash Back Friday" - Taking Care of Business NOW!

 

Today is "Flashback Friday" and I'll be sharing an article with you from April 7, 2011. Enjoy!

-------------

Some of you may think of Elvis when you hear the phrase, "Taking Care of Business" while others (like myself) think of the song by Bachman Turner Overdrive (yeah, BTO sings TCB...I just love all of these abbreviations).

And, you may be wondering what this has to do with our current discussion on LOVING WHAT YOU DO. Hang with me here...it's an easy leap on this one.

First of all, remember, we have been talking about a video featuring a man that worked as a janitor when he won the state lottery. What did he do? He kept right on working his janitor job because of his love for the track program and his desire to donate money to help build a new track for the school. He had a PURPOSE and a PASSION for what he was doing so it didn't matter to him that he didn't HAVE to keep working as the janitor. He WANTED to!

That is when you know you are at your "dream job". When you don't HAVE to do it but you do it anyway.

Now tell me, would being a JANITOR ever have been on your list of answers as being anyone's "dream job"? Likely not. But it brings on the main point of this whole discussion.

Here it is: it doesn't matter what ANYONE else thinks about what you are doing or what they think you SHOULD be doing. It's up to YOU to live your dream, whatever it may be.

Now then, most of us think of something far more elegant when we think of our dream job, don't we? But, again, let me refer to a question I asked early on in this series that SHOULD give you a clear view of your "dream job" - If money were not an issue, what would you be doing?

Well? Surely by now you have come up with an answer to this question if you have been following this series.

But the curve ball comes when we look at where we WANT TO BE and then at where WE ARE and we don't like what we see. The "wanna' be" is a long ways away from our "what is".

What then?

Yesterday I suggested that it might be possible to learn to love what you are doing even if you are not doing what you love (your "dream job"). I hope you have thought about that.

On yesterday's podcast I encouraged you to really try to brainstorm and think of HOW you can approach your current job with excitement rather than dread. WHAT CAN YOU DO to approach your day and your job with a challenge so that you get out of the rut of whining and complaining?

One thing that may be absolutely necessary is to change who you hang around with at the office!

BREAK FREE from those that do nothing but whine and complain but also never lift a finger to try to improve their position or make any attempt to actually do their best for the company.

How many times have you heard someone say something like this (and YOU may have been one of the ones to say it!): "Well, I'm not doing one thing more than I have to! If I don't HAVE to do it then I'm not going to do it!"

May I be blunt? What a loser mentality!

What if you decide to TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS RIGHT NOW where you are TODAY?

What if you decided to put 100% of your effort into doing the very BEST job that you can RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW?

What if you did this today, tomorrow and EVERY day from now on?

What do you think would happen?

I can tell what would happen - THINGS WOULD CHANGE!

You don't need me to tell you what might change for you, do you? Take a moment and write down everything you can think of that would change for you if you adopted this approach.

Why not STOP dreading the day at work and why not TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS when you go to work today and start learning to love what you do (which is simply loving the fact that you are living up to your potential!) until you get to the point that you can finally have the "job of your dreams" and do what you love.

Thing is, you just might find out that this "dream job" was right under your nose all along.

Think about it.

And, until next time, 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!

4th of 8 Things to Give Up



"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving." - Dale Carnegie

Hey friend, that quote applies to criticism of YOURSELF as well! You must learn to be "understanding and forgiving" of yourself as well as others. Bottom line is this: CRITICIZING YOURSELF AND OTHERS is another thing that you need to give up!

 

As I've pointed out before, all of these things work together and feed off of each other. These are ALL results of negative thinking so, if you are going to pick ONE to work on removing from your life first, THAT would be the one..."negative thinking".

 

YOU define what "success" means for you in your life. Whatever it is that you determine "success" to be, you will NEVER reach it as long as you hang on to these things that we have been discussing.

 

I want to make sure that you are getting the point: READING THIS BLOG as well as LISTENING TO THE PODCAST will DEFINITELY help you battle negative thinking and what comes from that type of mindset!

 

THAT IS A FACT!

------------------------------------ADVERTISEMENT FROM MIKE------------------------------

There is not much to FEAR with a "one-time" start up payment of only $18!

And, I do mean "one-time"...no further payments and no monthly charges out of your pocket!

And, what if the POTENTIAL with that small, start up cost was incredible?

CLICK HERE to watch the video - NO OBLIGATION

and find out for yourself!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When you allow yourself to not only listen to, but believe criticism from others to the point that you begin to repeat it to yourself, you are doing yourself a great disservice and you are giving even more power to anyone that criticizes you. Read that sentence again - slowly - and let it sink in.

 

Remember, you are special and you are here - on this earth - for a REASON! Also remember: "God Does NOT Make Junk!" and you are of great value.

 

I can do all I can to help you by stating facts like this over and over again but, friend, YOU are the one that must begin to "walk" in this belief and to begin to "live" in this belief.

 

So, as far as criticism is concerned (whether of yourself or others), just give it up.

 

And, as you continue on this journey, always be sure to...

 

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

 

Mike

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

Podcast RSS feed 4 "no cost or low cost" start ups!
 

Something to Think About...

Good or Bad - It's Contagious!



(this blog originally appeared at: http://www.empowernetwork.com/mspillman/blog/good-or-bad-its-contagious/ )

 

 

 

Attitude.

 

Good or bad, it’s contagious!

 

And, just like some deadly disease, you need to RUN and PROTECT YOURSELF and those you love from the impact of a negative or bad attitude. As a matter of fact, friend, I’d say it actually IS a “deadly disease”. It attacks mind, body and soul and can leave a once vibrant person lifeless and weak.

 

Am I overstating this? NO WAY!

 

When one truly understands the devastating impact of a negative attitude and a negative environment then they will do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to get as far away as possible from this plague of mankind.

 

Now, enough of that, let’s turn our focus to the GOOD SIDE of a POSITIVE mindset and attitude being something that you WANT to “catch”! Yes, you still need to RUN but, instead of running away from a BAD attitude, you should RUN TO any environment, group of people or person that personifies this positive attitude.

 

That’s why reading and listening to positive information is so vital to your survival if you desire to have this positive/good attitude yourself. IT’S FOOD FOR THE MIND, SOUL AND BODY!

 

So, let’s close and take a look at this. Not only is it important to surround yourself with positivity but it is also important to make sure YOU are SPREADING the strength that comes from this. In other words, WHAT ARE PEOPLE “CATCHING” FROM YOU?

 

Join me on my “positive mission”, won’t you?

 

Just as it is true with our physical intake with food, so it is with a positive or negative attitude and mindset: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT.

 

Think about it and always remember to…

 

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

Mike

So, Winner or Loser?

Hook up with me on my Facebook fan page at: www.facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

So, the other day I had a teenager called me a "loser". It was a little bit in a joking way but, at the same time, he was trying to be a bit insulting. My reply?   "No sir, I've always been a winner and I will always be a winner. Let me know when you'd like to experience the same!"

After that little conversation I got to thinking, "What is it that has someone come up with the idea that they are either a winner or a loser?" Sure, I know that "self-talk" and "self-belief" has a lot to do with it but, what I began to question was what about those people (young people, for example) that never learn those practices? What determines for them - in their minds - whether they are winners or losers?

Many of you may not know but my wife and I have been working with foster kids for the past 8 months (as I write this) and it is easy to see where many of these young people can get the "I'm a loser" mentality. But, is it all environment?

I am not sure that you could ever say that it is ALL environment but, with certainty, I can say that environment plays a HUGE and MAJOR part in the development of one's own self-worth.

Let's get personal. What about YOU and your view of your self-worth. Do you view yourself as a WINNER or a LOSER? Think about it...be open and honest and take a moment, go to the website for my fan page above and leave your thoughts. Or, if that is too public, you can send me an e-mail at mike@futureyouuniversity.com - I won't reveal any pertinent information about anything sent to me via that e-mail address but I may share just the general thoughts shared there. If you'd rather me not share anything that you share with me - I will keep your wish, o.k.?

So...WINNER or LOSER... which is it and how have you come to that conclusion? I'm waiting to hear from YOU!

Until then, whatever you do, wherever you go, be sure to...

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

Mike

The Power of Thinking POSITIVELY

Today is "FUN FRIDAY!" Whatever you do - SMILE and have some FUN!

You may or may not have heard of and/or read the book by Norman Vincent Peale entitled, "The Power of Positive Thinking". If you've not read it I would strongly encourage you to do so as well as read ANY book written by the late Norman Vincent Peale - you'll be encouraged and glad that you did!

Is there actual POWER behind thinking in a positive way? YES!

It has been proven in the medical world how powerful a person's positive attitude is when going into surgery or facing an illness. IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! And, on the opposite end, it also has a negative difference when someone goes into such a situation with a sense of hopelessness or negativity.

IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

I'll have to be honest with you - right now as I put this article together I am having a MAJOR struggle with thinking positively. There just seems to be all kinds of "forces" pulling at me from all different directions and attacking me from all sides. And, friend, as you very likely know - IT AIN'T EASY when you seem to be getting bombarded in such a way.

So, what do you do? Do you just give up, give in and develop an NEGATIVE and sour attitude? Sure, that's the EASY thing to do...it's the path of least resistance...but it's not the right thing to do for anyone that wants to IMPROVE their day as well as have a positive impact on those around them.

There apparently was an old song (and by old I do mean OLDER than I even remember!) that was entitled, "Accentuate the Positive (and Eliminate the Negative)". Yeah, I'm right - OLD! I just checked on it and it was written back in 1944  by Johnny Mercer. Apparently it was written after Mr. Mercer heard a sermon that had that line emphasized as the main point and he thought it would make a powerful lyric. IT DID and it STILL DOES!

Bottom line: WE HAVE A CHOICE! That's it. We can either focus on and "accentuate" the positive OR we can focus on and "accentuate" the negative. It really just boils down to being that simple.

I was talking with a group of teens the other night that were all worked up about a change that was about to take place among them.This was a change that, at least for that day, they could really do nothing about and wasn't going to happen for a few more days. I told them that they had a choice to make. One, they could continue on with their negative attitude that they were freely sharing with each other about the topic and allow that to continue to build and build and build OR they could realize that there was nothing they could do about the situation at the time and to just "drop it" and begin to focus on something more positive. They chose the positive route (thank goodness!) and the rest of the day/evening was much better than it would have been if they had stayed on the negative course.

Which path will YOU choose? Think about where that path will lead you during the course of your day and/or evening. What good can come of following the negative path? Seriously. What will be the result along the way and at the end of the day?

Friend, there IS power in thinking positively and I encourage you to FIGHT the path of least resistance and do whatever it takes to keep your mind and attitude pointed in the POSITIVE direction!

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

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

Don't Be a TAKER

Today is "Magical Monday"...isn't it time YOU created a little 'magic' in YOUR day?

Today I will continue going through my "7 Life-Changing, Life-Directing, Powerful Daily Affirmations" by discussing #5: "I AM A GIVER - not a taker!"

Now, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back to last week's blog articles and podcast to catch up with the first four and - specifically - the very first, foundational principle/building block affirmation. THIS IS A MUST in order for the others to really have any validity, purpose or focus.

We have grown so accustomed to the idea that "the customer is always right" and "Have it YOUR way" that we have begun to think that WE are the MOST IMPORTANT person in the universe and that the whole universe revolves around us as a result. Uh...here's your wake up call = NOT TRUE!

I honestly get really tired of watching people - kids, teens and even adults - that seem to live their lives really believing that they ARE actually the center of the universe. Seriously, it's quite sickening!

Sometimes it begins when parents - as parents do - just "ooh and ahhh" over their precious little ones. Hey, there is nothing wrong with that! I have a precious little granddaughter that is the apple of my eye and I will proudly tell anyone that will listen -- sometimes even if they AREN'T listening! But, the problem starts when this never stops. Make sense?

When our children continue to be told that they are so special to the point that we give them the idea that they are better than everyone else and when we keep giving them stuff and stuff and stuff then, guess what? They begin to BELIEVE it and EXPECT it! And, some people NEVER grow past that and end up STILL believing and expecting that even as adults.

I said the following to a group of teens not too long ago: "You can tell how focused on self a person is by listening to how many times they say 'I' or 'me' in a conversation." to which one young lady (who is absolutely focused on self) answered, "I don't think I really talk about me that much!" Notice the use of the words "I' and "me" used in that short little sentence?

Now do you see why I think it is important for not only YOU to get in the habit of saying these affirmations out loud to yourself, but also for your KIDS to do so (if you have them)? We need to plant this seed DEEP and EARLY so that it can take root and be TRUE in the lives of our young people as they grow and develop!

You will find that every great leader (the "non-blood thirsty ones" anyway) has always promoted the idea of serving others and putting the interest of others ahead of ourselves. I'm sure that some of you almost cringed just reading that -- it is so foreign to what we are told and taught by so many forces around us every day (have you WATCHED commercials lately?).  The next time you sit and watch commercials notice the WHY they want you to believe in order to get you to buy their product. Why? Because YOU deserve nothing but the best and, by the way, their product IS the best!

This is getting a little longer than I had planned and I haven't even gotten started yet so I will continue these thoughts tomorrow. So far in this article we have noticed and focused on the PROBLEM of being nothing but a "GETTER". Tomorrow we will focus on the other end of this spectrum...being a GIVER!

Be thinking about this and, yes, make that painful self-examination that we all need to make from time to time to see how much "ME" is a part of our daily activity.

Begin now directing your focus to being a GIVER and not a GETTER 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

What Are YOU Driving?

What Are YOU Driving?

If you were driving the car you see pictured here, do you think you'd get noticed? Sure you would! Most people would be wanting to know how in the world you squeezed your body into that little bitty cartoon car!

In today's podcast I talk about how it seems that, when you purchase a certain type of automobile, you begin to notice how many of that same type of automobile you pass every day! Did they all of a sudden magically appear now that you own one of those types of automobile?

Of course not! They existed all along, didn't they? But YOUR focused changed because of what YOU were driving. Change your car and you will see the same thing happen again. At least that's the way it has been in my life and I don't think you and I are that much different from one another.

It's the same way with how we approach each and every day! It all depends on what you "drive" as to what you "see" and/or encounter during your day.

You've heard the phrase, "...got up on the wrong side of the bed", right? What does that mean? I never knew there was a "right" side and a "wrong" side, did you?

The idea behind that phrase is that the day did not start out very well for that person from the moment they rolled out of bed....must have been on the "wrong" side because if it had been on the "right" side then everything would be great! (Hey, if that's the way it worked I think once I discovered the "wrong" side, I'd make SURE I got up and out on the OTHER side every day!).

Whatever attitude you start off the day with will be the same attitude that you encounter from everyone and everything throughout your day. Haven't you noticed this already?

When you get up "on the wrong side of the bed" haven't you noticed how cranky your spouse and kids are? Shoot, even the cat and dog are kind of crabby! Then, as you go to work it seems that if EVERYONE got up on the wrong side of the bed! Hey, how did I miss that memo that today was "GET UP ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE BED DAY"?

But then, one morning you strike it lucky and actually get up on the RIGHT side of the bed! (Have you noticed that you never hear that phrase though?). All is good, the birds are singing, the sun is shining and your whole family is happy! The people at work are happy - your whole world is happy!

What changed?

YOU DID!

That's right. The people around you - your family, your co-workers, etc. - are the SAME people that are around you each and every day. They were there yesterday, they are here today and they will STILL be there tomorrow!

But, it's what you're "driving" that has made the difference! Just like the cars that you "suddenly" notice because of what you are driving, your focus for your day - what you will SEE and encounter in those around you - will be determined by what you "drive" for the day.

Actually, to be more accurate, instead of saying what YOU drive, it should be what drives you!

And, yes, as always, this IS a choice!

It's as if you can walk into your garage and choose whether you want to drive an old clunker OR the car of your dreams! YOU decide what you will "drive" each day (or what "drives" you) by your attitude that you begin with each and every day.

You know it's true, don't you? You've experienced it too many times for you NOT to know it's true.

So, what will it be for you today?

Though it's not always easy, I KNOW you'd much rather drive the car of your dreams today...the positive attitude that will direct your focus on the positive people and things all around you as you go through the day.

Right?

And as you do so be sure to...

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

Mike