It's Up to EACH of Us to Be the BEST of Us!

This is it. The conclusion of the series. What? If you didn't realize that this was the part - the conclusion - of a series then you need to go back and read the four previous articles, starting with the one entitled,"Listen Carefully! Opportunity IS Available" 

YOU NEED TO READ each and every one of these my friend! You really do. And, while you are at it, be sure to listen to each podcast and to watch each video broadcast on the same topic(s). All of the links can be found below.

When we all consider (and, hopefully, accept) the fact that we are all uniquely created and that NO ONE is like us then we will also realize that we all have very unique (special only to us) talents and abilities. And, friend, the world NEEDS each of us to share these unique talents and abilities!

In other words, "It's up to EACH of us to make the MOST of us!" 

Yes, I believe that God has give each and everyone of us our own special and unique set of talents and abilities but, at the same time, He also has given us the ability to USE those and to make the most out of them. I firmly believe that, not only has he given us the ability to do so but that He also EXPECTS us to do so. If you want, go read what is shared in the Bible in Matthew 25: 14 - 28.

Again, just because you have those unique talents and abilities does not mean that you can just sit back and expect things to happen. NO! Go back and read what I said about those who have had talent but did not WORK at developing that talent...they usually fail and fail miserably. And, on top of that, they are usually a "cautionary tale" that is used to help others see the dangers of doing so.  

One other thing (remember, go listen to the podcast and also watch the video for some additional insight), don't wait for others to do this for you. Don't wait for others to set things up for you so that things are perfectly aligned in order for you to take action.

If you do you will end up as another "cautionary tale" that I talked about two paragraphs above this one. 

Don't expect or wait for the government to do it for you. Don't expect or wait for your parents to do it for you, or your spouse, or your friend(s), or....you fill in the blank. 

Take DAILY ACTION beginning TODAY. 

I hope that I can be a part of the process of helping provide you positive information to help keep you moving forward.

Be sure to join me next time as we continue with our daily activity of helping to protect our minds from negative thoughts and influence and to promote good, positive thinking to help maintain a positive mindset! Until then, 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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Flat Balls Don't Bounce!

It's been a while, friend! As a matter of fact, I looked back on my podcasts and saw that the last podcast that I published was back in April of 2018!

I took a break and had planned not to start again until I had been certified in the John Maxwell program and, to a large extent, I have completed that task. I did become a member of this prestigious group before the end of 2018 and I continue forward growing and learning. The original plans were for me to attend the Certification event this August (next month) in Florida but I have some scheduling conflicts that will not allow that at that time. So, it's being rescheduled for a different time and I'll keep you updated on that as well. 

But, even at that, I felt it was time to get started (again) with my blog and podcast and, a little later, with my "vlog" or "video podcast". 

Here's one thing that I have noticed over the years since I began this (March 2009): I do much better with my positive mindset when I am doing the blog, podcast and videos. In other words, doing so helps keep the "air" in my positive mindset. 

Have you noticed? A flat ball doesn't bounce! Have you tried? It just doesn't work and, to be honest, it's not much fun to have a ball that you CONTINUALLY have to air up in order to use it for whatever sport. 

I'm guessing that many of you are already "getting the point", right?  If we allow ourselves to "go flat" it is literally impossible to "bounce"!

Have you "gone flat"? Have you allowed the "air" of positivity to slowly seep out of your life? Hey friend, it's easy to let happen! Many times it is hard to really notice a slow leak when it first begins and the same is true in your life and mine. 

So, selfishly, I am beginning this blog and podcast for my own good but, at the same time, I want to do all that I can to provide you with at least ONE outlet to help you maintain your "bounce". 

Do a little check on yourself to see if you have developed a "slow leak". as far as your positive outlook and development. Have you "lost your bounce"? Have you "gone flat"?

I'd love to hear from you on this. Please feel free to share with me what you are doing to help combat this in your own life and, of course, feel free to reach out to me for any input that I may be able to give.

Hey, "I'm BAAAAAACCCCKKK!". Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. The podcast on the same topic (different thoughts since I don't use a script) is also available, just click the link below. 

So friend, 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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"Snowman"

A snowman is a great thing..as long as they stay cold, right?

They - the snowman - can't do anything about it and they have no control over it. They are prisoners of the weather and the temperature. And, on top of that, there has to be specific weather conditions before a snowman can even exist.

What about you? I'm talking about the "real" you. The "you" that is able to be a positive influence for yourself and those around you. The "you" that has a "don't quit" attitude and that refuses to give up or give in. Get the picture? Yeah, THAT "you".

Does that "you" only "come out" when all the conditions are just right? Does that "you" only stay strong and act as a person of positive influence only as long as things go your way? 

Another way to approach this is to ask the question in a way that you have likely heard before: "Are you a thermostat or a thermometer?" Are you like a thermostat in that YOU set the temperature/environment settings or are you more like a thermometer and simply reflect and react to the temperature/environment?

So, hey, DON'T BE A SNOWMAN! Sure, they're fun but they aren't around for long. And, have you also noticed that, after a while, they actually begin to start looking dirty and ugly?

Be the thermostat and stay strong, my friend. and, until next time...

"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

What (or Who) Decides or Sways Your Vote?

Although this series is NOT about politics I do want to start today's discussion by asking a political question: Why do you vote the way that you do in an election?

Many times, a person votes due to "family history" and influence. As a matter of fact, some people won't even tell their parents (or other family members) how they vote (or they lie about it) because they don't want to have a big "political argument" about their choice. Sometimes it's due to religious values. 

There are may different reasons that a person votes the way that they do in a political election. What about you? Why do you vote the way that you do?

In much the same way, there are many reasons as to why we "vote" the way that we do about the direction of our lives. (If you haven't done so, go back and read the last two articles that leads up to this one...they all "build" on each other). 

Some people choose the direction of their life because of the way that they were raised or due to other family expectations. Some don't put much thought or value on the direction of their own lives and future because that is what they have seen in the lives of their own parents. On the other side of the spectrum are those that are pressured into following a particular path of study or career choice because that is what their parents want or expect from them. 

Just as there are many different reasons for why people vote the way that they do in an election, so are there many different reasons for why people "vote" the way that they do concerning the direction of their life. 

What about you?

You've likely heard the idea that you are the "average" of the 5 - 10 people with whom you spend the most time. When I say that you are the "average", I'm talking about in every area of your life. That's right. You tend to fit into the average, financially, of those that you hang around with as well as spiritually, career-wise, family guidelines (discipline, etc.) and anything else you can think of. This even goes down to what kind of vehicle that you drive!

What's that old saying? "Birds of a feather flock together." 

Wow, when you actually look at this closely, you may be surprised by these things. You may decide that you need to change who it is that you hang out with or, you may discover that you LIKE the influence that these people have on and for your life.

The key thing in this is the fact that YOU HAVE A CHOICE or a VOTE!

One of the most important questions we can ask ourselves is, "WHY?". In any area of our life and in EVERY area of our life we should stop and ask ourselves this question from time to time. "WHY am I doing what I'm doing in this particular area?" This, in essence, is how you will find out WHY you "vote" the way that you do concerning your life and the direction of your life. 

This is actually the very basis or foundation of this process. Every area of your life and the decisions that you make in those areas are "votes" that you cast about your life and your future as well as the future of your family. With that being said, don't you think it might be important to really know WHY you make those decisions? 

They are ALL important decisions because they ALL play a role in the direction of your life.  Do you think I'm being a bit over-dramatic with that last statement? I can hear some of you saying, "Oh come on, Mike. Me choosing where we eat supper tonight is not that big of a decision in the overall picture." I hear you, but it may be a bigger deal than you realize. Especially when you really examine WHY you made the choice that you made. And, especially when you really examine what thought you have put into that decision as far as how it impacts other areas of your life...such as financial. That's just an example but, friend, most people have no idea how much money they actually spend on eating out and other "extras" while they complain about never having enough money. 

Yes, it is your life. Absolutely. That's the whole point, friend. It is YOUR life and your life will go where YOU lead it and direct it to go. And, all of that happens with the votes that you cast on a daily basis. 

Let me end with this. There's no reason to drive yourself crazy for the rest of your life thinking about every little thing in your life. You may need to examine it all closely for a period of time. However, once you discover your focus and purpose for your life, you will then act "automatically" based on that focus and purpose. Yes, you will still need to do a "check up" from time to time to make sure you haven't wandered off course too far, but it will become a natural part of your life.

Either way, your daily "vote" counts and the impact of those votes are likely greater than you and I realize, friend!

This article is one of those situations that I talk about on the podcast where I encourage you to listen to the podcast as well as read the article because they are not exactly the same. They are not done at the same time and I don't follow a script. THIS ARTICLE is a lot different than the podcast that I recorded for this topic. So, please, read the following couple of paragraphs carefully and take the time to listen to the podcast as well. 

So, 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

People of Influence

 

In the United States, yesterday was celebrated as "Mothers Day" which, obviously, was a day dedicated to our Mothers and the influence they have had on our lives.

 

As in any situation, not all people can celebrate this influence due to the fact that some Mother's were not the positive and supportive influence that they should have been. However, sometimes even situations such as that can be turned around to where one can say, as I heard one man say about his Father,  "She taught me what kind of Mother NOT to be!".

 

Most of those that I saw post notices on social media were lifting their Moms up with praise for all that they had done for them during their life. That is the way it should be!

 

Next month, in June, we will celebrate Father's in the same way.

 

This got me to thinking about how many people actually influence our lives during the course of this journey on earth. There are many, are there not? And, as is the case with Mothers and Fathers, not all of them are the kind of influence that will direct us in a positive way.

 

I don't want to spend time on the negative. I don't want to spend time talking about the people in my life and yours that can influence us in a negative way. So, let's just assume that you and I are both smart enough to keep our eyes, ears and minds open to this and STAY AS FAR AWAY from such influence as possible.

 

Let's focus on those that have had a POSITIVE influence on our lives along the way.

 

Here is a great exercise for you to do on a continual basis that will help bring to mind such people in your life. Get out a piece of paper (or do this on your computer) and begin back as far as you can remember and think about those people that influenced you in a positive way and, you guessed it, WRITE THEM DOWN and also write down beside their name something that you remember about them. HOW did they influence you?

 

Why do I say do this on a continual basis? Well, for one, you may not can remember everyone at the same time. Your memory will be jogged just by beginning this process and, even when you aren't actively writing these things down, you will likely have a "flash memory" of someone else that you need to enter into this all-important listing.

 

Another reason that I say do this on a continual basis is to make note of those even now that are influencing your life in a positive way. Too often we just don't catch these moments of positive influence each day. However, by doing this exercise, our minds will be more open to recognizing and acknowledging these people. I would suggest getting into the habit of doing a daily journal (if you're not doing so already) and, as part of that daily entry, write down the names (and again the action) of a person that influenced you in a positive way during the day.

 

One final step to the exercise: If these people on your list are still alive, try to find a way to send them a nice thank you note and express to them how they influenced your life in a positive way. Notice I said send them a note. Emails and texts are nice but there is nothing like a hand written note that someone can hold on to and cherish. While you're at it, why not make a follow up phone call to make sure they received the note and take the opportunity to TELL them how they influenced your life.

 

The "Attitude of Gratitude"!

 

Who knows? There may be someone else reading this that will have YOU on THEIR list!

 

Be thankful for the positive influences in your life and express that thanks. And, as you go about this task, be sure to...

 

 

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

 

Mike

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Words Live on Forever

 

“Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.”
Og Mandino
1923-1996, Author

 

WOW! Powerful words that still live on today even though many years have passed by since the death of Mr. Og Mandino.

 

Words that still have an impact on anyone and everyone that reads (or perhaps hears if this was said in a recorded speech that he made at some point) them and shares them.  Hey, not only am I sharing them here, I also posted this quote on my Facebook page. Why? Because I think they are powerful and important for each of us to consider and implement in our lives.

 

Words live on forever. That, my friend, is a fact. Even the unwritten word lives on forever in the minds of those who heard them whether kind or unkind, true or untrue, sweet or sour.

 

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You see, you leave a legacy even with the words that you speak. I hope, like me, that it causes you to stop and choose a little more carefully the words that you speak and/or write because, indeed, they will live on forever.

 

What kind of legacy will YOUR words leave behind? Here’s a hint: the same legacy that they are leaving behind even today.

 

But the good news is that you CAN change what happens from this point on regardless of what legacy has been left up to this time. Sure, it will be an uphill battle but don’t you want to leave a POSITIVE legacy? Don’t you want to leave words behind that ENCOURAGE and LIFT UP those that hear/read them now and for years to come?

 

Sure you do.

 

Start now, right now and make it your mission to leave a powerful legacy that will be a blessing to those for years to come. You CAN do it!

 

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

 

Mike

This entry was posted in Empower Network

The Power of Positive People

Hey everyone, meet Herman. Herman is mowing my yard today and he is the reason for today's blog/podcast and videocast - "The Power of Positive People".

 

Let me tell you a little about ol' Herman, o.k.?

 

I met Herman yesterday afternoon after I had gone through a particularly rough day combating the forces of negativity. Although I had separated myself from a person that was continually spewing negativity and, basically, pure hatred my way there were still times - due to the situation - that I had to be around that person. And, even though I do my best to fill my mind with as much positive input as I possibly can, it still did have an impact on my attitude.

 

Enter Herman.

 

Herman mows yards for a living and he lives about a mile from my house. I pass by his home/business every day and I've planned on stopping by for the past several days because I needed to get my yard mowed. But, for one reason or another it just didn't happen until yesterday.

 

On the way to the hospital to visit with my wife's mom following surgery I told my wife that I was going to stop by Herman's on the way home so I could see if he could do my yard for me. Of course, this was even before I had any idea of the day was going to go and, on the way back home, I did as I said I would do and stopped by Herman's.

 

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I had never met Herman before and had no idea what kind of man he was but, honestly, I was just hoping that he was not going to be a negative person since I had encountered more than I wanted to throughout the day as it was.

 

From the moment Herman came out of his door he put a smile on my face! He was happy and joyful and PROUD of what he did for a living and treated me as if he had known me all of my life. He followed me to my house to take a look so that he could give me a quote and, again, the whole time he was there I was laughing and smiling while joking around with him.

 

After he left last night I told my wife, "I needed to meet that man TODAY!". Some would just say that it was a coincidence, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and I needed to meet Herman YESTERDAY! Remember me saying that I had intended to stop by there for several days before I actually did? I needed it yesterday and that is when I met Herman and I had the opportunity to once again feel "The Power of Positive People".

 

Friend, YOU need such a person or a group of this type of person in your life, don't you? Maybe you have them already. If so, you need to be around them as much as possible and you also need to let them know how much you appreciate the positive impact that they have on your life.

 

One other thought...maybe YOU can be that person in someone else's life. Think about it. We all come into contact with people every day that, likely, we don't give much thought to such as the person behind the check out at the local store. Let me encourage you to take the time to actually engage in conversation - even if it is short - that lets them know that you not acknowledge their presence but that you appreciate what they are doing. IT WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR DAY, that I can promise you.

 

You may never, ever know the impact you've had on others when you decide that you are going to be a powerful, positive influence in the lives of those around you each and every day. But know that, indeed, it DOES make a difference. Never forget that.

 

Do it. And as you go about spreading this powerful, positive influence be sure to...

 

 

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

 

Mike

"Follow the Leader?"

 

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"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way,

and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell

 

In our last article we discussed the fact that POSITION does NOT make a LEADER. In case you missed it, just go back to the last article and also go to www.FutureYouUniversity.com and you can view the video-cast from the front page and listen to the podcast by clicking on the video-cast tab and clicking either the iTunes icon or the RSS feed icon.

 

Just a quick review...

 

Too many think that having a title or "position" automatically qualifies them to be a leader and to have others follow them. That's about as wrong of an idea that anyone can have yet, it seems that it surrounds us, right? I mentioned that people may do what they are told to do out of fear of losing their job but they are not FOLLOWING this person because they are a leader.

 

Big difference.

 

I also shared the mindset of a "boss" (NOT a leader) that I came across recently that actually told his employees that he didn't care about them - came right out and said it twice during a 20 minute introductory period - and that they way he worked was, "I SAY - YOU DO!".

 

Wow. I wonder how many people he won over that day. I can answer that question as easily as you can - NONE! I can promise you that there is NO loyalty to this person among those who work under him. I can also promise you that not ONE person would stand up and "go to bat" for this man. NONE.

 

Effective leadership? Not even close.

 

"Follow me!" But I ask, "Why?"

 

John C. Maxwell (whom I've had the pleasure of hearing speak) hits the nail on the head in the quote used at the start of this article. We follow a leader that KNOWS, GOES and SHOWS the way!

 

Can you see the difference? Instead of "Do this because I say so" we see the idea of "Follow me because I know this is the way. Why? How do I know? Because I've BEEN there and I can SHOW you the way, too!"

 

Have you ever followed someone in an automobile that was supposed to know where they were going but you figured out pretty quickly that they had no more idea where to go than you did? Not fun and not productive.

 

Once, while traveling through a part of Mexico, I got lost. Yes, a male admitting that he got lost. I could not find my way out of one particular town to get on the road that I needed to be on to get OUT of that town and on my way. I had learned a secret from a previous trip with someone that had "been there and done that". (This man was a leader even before I needed the leadership!) The answer was to find someone that KNEW the way because they had BEEN that way and could SHOW me the way! What did I do? I found a taxi driver and showed him on the map where I needed to go (since I don't speak Spanish this was quite comical) and asked (again, quite comical) if he would lead me there. Once we finally connected through a series of hand motions, pointing to the map and me literally acting out what I needed, the gentleman got in his taxi and allowed me to follow him out of town and on my way.

 

This chosen course led to me successfully going along my way and, friend, this same course will do two things for you:

1. If you are a leader - a REAL leader - it will allow you to lead in such a way that others will GLADLY and VOLUNTARILY follow.

2. If you seek to follow someone in order to continue down your course to success, this leader will get you there. Seek these leaders out!

 

Powerful. Productive. Proven.

 

Hey, think about this and we'll discuss it more in our next visit...Did you know when you follow such a leader that, in turn, you will have others following you? Look at the picture above and realize the truth in that statement.

 

Until next time...

 

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

 

Mike

 

 

 

Winner or Loser?

So, do you consider yourself a WINNER or a LOSER? And, who or what do you base that consideration on? I'll probably be discussing this over the next few days and/or weeks on the Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/futureyouuniversity) as well as here...be watching and I'd love to even have your feedback now with this initial introduction.

Give it some thought...this is BIG for each and every one of us as well as our children and grandchildren. Until next time, please leave your comments on the facebook fan page listed earlier and, as always, be sure to...

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

Mike