Tell Me WHY Again?

(join in and LIKE me here!)

O.k. I'm not REALLY going to "go Hulk" because of this stuff I'm discussing but, I thought I'd have some fun and, at the same time, emphasize how disgusted I am with how some people "do business" - especially when it comes to "on-line opportunities".

If you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read my last blog since it serves as a background to what I'm talking about today. But, let me give a shortened version for a review in case you don't have time to read the last one at the moment...

Basically I ask WHY people that promote "opportunities" can't just be honest and upfront about what the cost of being involved in the program will actually be.  WHY can't they go ahead and give you the information that you really need - for the cost advertised - so that you can actually DO what they SAY you can do with their opportunity?

The two main problems that I've seen are as follows:

     1. You are sold a "watered-down version" of the program and, if you REALLY want to use this program to it's full potential (their hype applied here) then you REALLY NEED to "upgrade" to a different program OR to their "one-on-one coaching program". (Have you noticed how they all seem to have their own coaching program now?).

     2. You pay the advertised price only to be hit with page after page (or video after video) trying to "up sell" you to other parts of the program that you really need in order to get the most out of this program. HINT: When you pay and you are not immediately taken to the check out page - GET READY FOR UP SELL ATTEMPTS!

Today I will address another "frustration" that I have experienced over time and that I saw exhibited again just this past week as well as give you some hints/pointers as to what to watch out for with many of these programs.

First of all, a HINT and SUGGESTION for those of you that may take a look at some of these opportunities. GO FOR THE BEST PRICE! Here's what I mean - the price advertised is rarely the price that you CAN pay if you just make a few extra clicks. I'm sure you've noticed a box popping up on your screen asking you to not leave but to stay on the page "for a special offer", haven't you? IF YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED in this product/opportunity then, by all means, STAY ON THE PAGE! You CAN and WILL get the offer for a lot less than was originally advertised if you want to follow through with the transaction.

Example: the current program that I am testing out was originally advertised for something like $49 and then $39 and, finally for $19 - which is what I paid for the program. (Of course, then came the constant "up sells" trying to get me to pay more which I declined).

I'm determined to figure this out WITHOUT having to "buy in" to the other "up sells" and I think that I will be able to make it work to some extent. THE POSITIVE: I am learning a lot that I didn't know before getting into this program and KNOWLEDGE is ALWAYS valuable!

Now on to my most recent event that has me bewildered at both the person/people promoting this business as well as the many others that are "gung-ho" about this opportunity. Stay with me here...

As part of my "package" that I paid for (for a lot less than originally advertised, remember?) I am able to be a part of 12 special webinars that are supposedly designed to help me get the most out of this program. The first one was rather uneventful and set up the basics which I had already done through the already-provided on-site videos. It was the second, and most recent, webinar that, once again cased me to ask the question, "WHY DO THAT?".

It did not take me long to figure out that this second webinar was nothing but a sales pitch for another program. By listening to the name of a "tool" the speaker kept talking about I figured that this "tool" was soon to be the topic of another thing "I must have". Was I correct? YES! (HINT: Pay attention to things like this. LISTEN and PAY ATTENTION to what is being said in advance of what is going to be said - make sense?)

So, what did I do? Well, while the presenter was talking away about this "program" I did an online search and found this program listed as a program offered by a relative of the presenter. That's right, the exact same program with lots and lots of links showing up after my search. HERE'S THE KICKER: The presenter was promoting this "program" as something that HE had come up with (true, he may have and helped his relative get it going) and that it was BRAND NEW and NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN and something that he just felt he HAD to share with his students. Why? Because that's just the kind of guy he is! (I kid you not, he didn't use those exact words, but that is pretty much what was said).

Anyone that was listening in on that call could have done exactly what I did. Perhaps some did - I sure hope so! However, apparently many DID NOT and literally JUMPED AT THE CHANCE to get this extra program. Oh, it was also being promoted by the fact that the first 40 or 50 (I can't remember exactly)that signed up that night would get an extra webinar with the presenter in the future). Get this...all for the low, low price of only $997!

Yeah, you read that right - $997. Hey folks, that just $3 short of $1,000!!! (And, honestly, it may have been the first 100 to sign up that night - I had pretty much "checked out" at that point).

And, guess what? He sold out right then and there. As a matter of fact, the last 20 minutes of this webinar was a continuous push for anyone/everyone to get in on it NOW while there were spots still open. Now then, friend, DO THE MATH and see how much $$ this guy made on this call. Why? "Because that's the kind of guy I am".

Now do you share my frustration (and yes, even outrage)?

FINAL HINT: Do NOT become so enamoured/gung-ho about an opportunity that you don't THINK and keep your eyes open! All anyone on that call had to do was just THINK and do some quick research to find out that, quite honestly, this was a LIE that they bought in to at a very steep price! THINK - THINK - THINK!

So, I can hear you now: "Mike, why are you STILL doing business with this guy?" Well, I'm really not doing business with him anymore. I got in for only $19 and I am learning a LOT of things by my own follow through. Honestly, I'm determined to make some $$ in SPITE of this guys deceit and deception - yes, I said that very clearly.

Again, once I make some decent or consistent money with this, I will let you know EXACTLY what I did for FREE. Believe me, what I've learned is NOTHING proprietary and nothing that ANYONE couldn't do. Fair enough?

Bottom line: This, once again, has strengthened my resolve to FIND A WAY to make some money online in order to help fund some of my other goals.

ATTENTION: Be watching VERY SOON for a new video podcast/recorded podcast as well as a CHALLENGE TO/FOR YOU MY FRIEND to join me in during these last 4 months of 2012. Simply put, I'm TIRED of this kind of crap (excuse my language)that I just discussed and am more determined than ever to PUSH FORWARD TOWARD SUCCESS - aren't you?

Until then, be sure to...

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

Mike

The Search for Something BETTER

Something Better?

"The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind.
Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat." - Napoleon Hill

My guess is that YOU have asked this question to yourself many times in the past, haven't you? And, my guess would also be that if you HAVE asked yourself this question in the past that you are STILL asking yourself this question even now - TODAY.

Am I right?

There just seems to be "something" in us that always wants to strive for something better. There just seems to be "something" in us that BELIEVES that there IS something out there better than what we have or what we are doing right now.

Now, first of all, there are two extremes with this and any other proposed thought such as this. On one end of the spectrum we have those who have either LOST that desire or, for whatever reason, it was never instilled in them in the first place. Many times if the latter is true it is due to parents that never encouraged this person as a child to strive for something better and to not EVER settle for less than your best.

We see this type of situation around us every day and it is frustrating to see people that have NO DESIRE to better themselves even though - many times - they are living sub-par lives and often doing so off of the government.

The other extreme to this scenario would be those that are NEVER satisfied and are ALWAYS wanting more. That is as much of a danger as the one that has NO desire at all. We see this around us every day as well - regardless of what they have or what their situation, it is never good enough and they think that there is something better out there. Oftentimes, their relationships also exhibit this behavior and they are constantly moving on to other (better?) spouses or partners or whatever - RELATIONSHIPS - thinking there's something better out there.

But where do YOU fit in to all of this?

Hopefully somewhere in-between.

If you are like me, you KNOW deep down what you are capable of doing and being and you KNOW that there is something MORE that you could/should be doing with your life. How many of you out there can relate?

Over the next few weeks I'm going to try to write a new article on this with continuing thoughts. I'm not sure how often or consistent it will be but I will try to do so at least once a week.

I'll explain more in the next submission WHY I am going through this though process in a MAJOR way right now but, until then, I welcome any and all comments.

I PREFER that you leave those comments on the Future You University fan page on Facebook by going here:

https://www.facebook.com/FutureYouUniversity

I'd love to hear YOUR ideas and of YOUR strivings for something better and WHY you have that burning desire in your life. Will you do that for me? I'd appreciate it as would any and all others that read what you write.

Hey, I DO know this -- there IS something better out there and it's up to ME to go get it.

Until next time...

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

Mike

Believe in Yourself and Others

Believe in Yourself and Others

Here's a couple of interesting things to consider as we begin today:

- Everyone around you can believe in you (family and friends) but if you don't believe in yourself you WILL NOT achieve much success.

- Even if NO ONE around you believes in you, if you believe in yourself you can and likely will achieve much success.

Take a moment and really look that over and consider what that means in your own life! It's a very POWERFUL observation that can make all the difference in your life. The difference being IF you believe in yourself!

This is a message that we all need to hear and, obviously, was one that I needed to be reminded of a week ago as I was on my motorcycle. If you don't know what I'm talking about then go back and listen to the podcast and read the blog entries for the past couple of days.

You see - so that I can emphasize this - even if NO ONE ELSE believes in you but you BELIEVE IN YOURSELF you can, and likely will, achieve great things in your life!

The problem comes in fighting off the feeling of doubt that will try to creep it's way into your life because of the negative thoughts and feelings of others around you. We MUST put up a "barrier" around us to keep these poisonous thoughts from creeping into our minds. Again, this is an absolute must!

Going back to an illustration from yesterday, we must make sure that our filter is clean and working! Just like an air filter on an automobile or air conditioner (or any machine) that is designed to filter out the dirt and dust that can ruin the engine we must do the same thing and filter out the negative influences that can ruin our positive mindset. And, just like the air filter, we must constantly check to make sure that our "filter" and clean and working at the highest capability.

STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF. No, I'm not "yelling" at you, I'm putting those words in capital letters so that you can "feel" the importance and significance of those words.

You are unique. You are special. You are one-of-a-kind and you are capable of accomplishing great things. (Go back again to the "7 Daily Affirmations" that I covered a couple of months ago.)

Without this belief you will never accomplish what you were put here to accomplish - so, dump the doubt and move on in a powerful and positive direction of BELIEF!

Now, here's the other side of the coin. You must also learn to believe in others.

Yes, even though no one else may believe in you and the fact that you believe in yourself will propel you to great things, you must also come to the understanding that you have to believe (and rely upon) others.

Now, I don't know about you, but this one is tough for me at times. And, if you are a "type A" personality it is likely the same for you.

"If you want something done right you have to do it yourself!"

Yes, that's a thought that those of us that fit that "type A" category believe in very strongly. But, it's also a believe that will keep us from reaching our full potential.

Somewhere down the line we have to learn to find dependable and trustworthy people and then BELIEVE in them and let them help.

And, my friend, (at least for me) this is hard to do!

You see, I can even break down that "find dependable and trustworthy" part of that thought and come to the conclusion that I can't FIND anyone that would fit both of those categories!

Yeah, some of you are smiling as you read that because you are either the same way or you know someone that is.

But for me, it is a message that I needed to be reminded of - "Believe in yourself....AND OTHERS!"

It's a process but it's a process that I must be dedicated to each and every day so that I may improve in this area each and every day. A little at a time. A day at a time. One step at a time.

But it IS something that MUST be done!

And the same is true for you today.

So, join me in this endeavor to "Believe in yourself and others" so that we can all celebrate our achievements that will make this world a better place.

And, as you do so each day, don't forget to...

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

Mike

Desire Determines Direction

Desire Determines Direction!

I want you to take a couple of minutes and write that down - DESIRE DETERMINES DIRECTION!

Now, if you have time, I want you to write it on three separate pieces of paper that you'll be able to post somewhere at your home (bathroom mirror?), somewhere in your car and somewhere at your work so that you can see it constantly throughout each day.

This series of messages this week goes "hand in hand" with the series that I just completed this past week on "TODAY Matters!" because the DESIRE you have TODAY will DETERMINE the DIRECTION of your FUTURE!

Do you want a "wake up call" today? You may have already gotten it IF your mind is really "gearing up" on what I'm talking about today and you've started thinking ahead on this line of thought.

Here it is: Could it be that you are where you are in your life due to your desire (or lack of it) in your life?

You see, NONE OF US (yup, myself included) likes to admit that something COULD be our fault - or at least partially our fault. But, in all honesty, we have to at least look at this possibility, wouldn't you agree?

A "spoken desire" is not the same as a "heart-felt desire". Think about that with me for a moment. Have you ever SAID "yes" to something that, deep down, you really didn't want to say "yes" about? There, in a nut shell, is the difference between a "spoken" and "heart-felt" desire.

When you really take the time to think about it, you likely do that a lot more than you want to admit! WHY DO WE DO THAT?

Let's continue the "wake up call". We NEED a "wake up call" once in a while, don't we? Yes, it makes us uncomfortable but, hopefully, the uncomfortableness will help us to review what is going on (or ISN'T going on) in our lives. So, here's some more...

Perhaps the reason that we express "spoken desire" that is not the same as our real, "heart-felt desire" is that we are either trying to impress someone else or ourselves. Maybe - and likely - even both.

You may say, "Oh, I don't care what anyone else thinks!" Really? I hear a LOT of people say that but I've actually met very few - if any - that really lived that way. Let's be honest, we DO care what others think!

And, sometimes we express these "spoken desires" as a way to appear more together than we actually are on different matters. For example, we may express a "spoken desire" about what we plan to do with our life over the next few years as a way to "keep up" or "fit in" with those that are around us at that moment. Don't you hate when you do that to yourself?

And then there are the times that we utter these "spoken desires" as a way to convince OURSELVES that we are more together than we actually are on different matters! You know what I'm talking about, right?

It's EASY to write down goals and dreams. It's EASY to fill out a questionnaire that is designed to help us discover our gifts and aide us in the process of planning some important goals in our lives. It's EASY to talk about what great things we plan to accomplish in our lives over the next twelves months!

Wow! Take a step back and just look at what all you just expressed about yourself! You're a real "go-getter" aren't you?

Why then is there that nagging pit in your stomach?

It's because, deep down, you know better. Deep down, where your "heart-felt desire" is located you know that that your REAL desire doesn't match up with your "spoken desire".

And then, when you follow that path of thought you must come to the conclusion that the reason you have not actually made changes in your life is because of you. OUCH!

Yes, you. No one else. No one else can be blamed and you can't point your finger at anyone else. It's you and your desire - or lack of it.

Do I have your attention today? GOOD!

It gets better, I promise! But we needed to start HERE with some honest talk to ourselves and about ourselves before we can move on to the next part of this discussion.

The good news is that you CAN boost that "heart-felt desire" to the point of it being a driving force in your life instead of letting that "weak desire" continue to lead you in a life of weakness!

You see, even now your desire is determining your direction.

Join me tomorrow as we move on to the next part of this discussion and really look at the thought of, "What IS My Desire?".

And, until then...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to to 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

I AM ABLE to Accomplish GREAT Things!

If you haven't done so, be sure to take a look at yesterday's blog to get the full listing of my "7 Life-changing, Life-directing, Powerful Daily Affirmations" and begin to incorporate them into your daily schedule.

For me, the best time to do this is in the mornings before I leave the house. Perhaps you can tape these to your mirror and say them while you are getting ready for the day. Or, you may want to put them by your door to stop and say right before you leave your house. Whatever you do - I really want to encourage you to DO these each and every day.

#2: I AM ABLE to Accomplish GREAT Things!

"Great things" can mean a lot of different things and I'd like to touch on that first. First of all, let's talk about what it DOESN'T have to mean, o.k.?

If you DON'T become President of the United States, it doesn't mean that you have not accomplished great things in your life. If you DON'T find the cure for cancer, it doesn't mean that you have not accomplished great things in your life.

See what I mean?

Sometimes when we consider "great things" we tend to think of things that would make us famous and known world-wide. That's not necessarily the case!

Now, are these GREAT things to accomplish? Absolutely! If you set out to do such things with your life - GO FOR IT and give it all you have!

However, let's not miss the fact that there are MANY things we can do with/in our lives that can be considered "great" that no one may ever even know about.

One of the things that I mention in today's podcast is a situation where a single mother is working hard at one, two and maybe even three jobs just to try to provide for her child or children. This mother may not consider the fact that she is providing a home and food and clothing for her children a great thing - but it is!

Parent's who love their children and always make sure that their children KNOW that they are loved are, also, doing GREAT things!

See what I mean? Let's not overlook some of the so-called "simple" things that can also be great!

What ARE your goals and plans? What HAVE you been working towards in your life? What are your DREAMS and what are you doing to enable yourself to REACH those goals, plans and dreams?

Whatever it is - or whatever they are - you DO have the ability to accomplish GREAT things! And, yes, this DOES also mean that you have the ability to accomplish things in your life that you and probably others would think is absolutely IMPOSSIBLE for you to do!

Yet, when you take into consideration what we looked at yesterday in our first affirmation ("I am somebody special!") and combine that with today's affirmation then you can KNOW that you can, indeed, ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS!

You ARE special and you have been given the ability to accomplish things beyond your comprehension!

When you combine the miraculous wonder that God made you to be (your mind and body) with all of the assets available for each of us to use today (the internet, for example) then you end up with an UNBELIEVABLE and POWERFUL FORCE!

WOW! Just really take a moment and consider that!

You CAN because you ARE!

You CAN accomplish great things because you ARE somebody special!

It's true. Whether you feel this or not, say it anyway each day. Out loud. You will be amazed at what happens over time to your belief system as your subconscious mind begins to take this as a fact and repeat it to you as such.

Remember - you CAN because you ARE!

And, as always...

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

Mike

Never Cheat Yourself or Others

Never Cheat Yourself or Others

We live in a world of "grey". You understand what I'm saying, right? Think about it and ask yourself how many times have you heard discussions like the following OR have caught yourself saying things similar to the following:

- "I really didn't LIE, I just didn't tell the whole truth!"

- "This company won't miss that package of paper. After all, I've worked here long enough to earn the right to take it home with me!"

- "Clarify what you mean when you ask if I've been unfaithful."

Sad to say, the idea of "situational ethics" has taken firm root in our world and, if we are not careful, we will fall to it's falsehood ourselves.

First of all, let's talk about the idea of "Never cheat others."

You know, if you live by the principles that we have discussed in this blog as well as my podcasts, you will never have to worry about this topic. Living by these principles will cause you to not only do what is EXPECTED of you, but it will cause you to go a step further and do MORE than is expected. Remember our recent discussion on that idea ("Do More Than You Have To")?

Do not fall into the trap of "shorting" your customers, friends, family.......ANYONE! By doing so, you are hurting your future relationship with these people in these different groups as well as hurting yourself.

"I'm not hurting myself! I'm just doing what I have to do to survive!"

Think about that. Again, there is a difference in LIVING and surviving - and, yes, you are simply surviving And, sooner or later, you will cease to do even that.

Let's consider this idea of "I'm just doing what I have to do to survive!" a little further. Have you ever seen the films about animals that get caught in a trap and actually chew their foot off so that they can escape? Extreme, right? Yet, they are doing what is necessary to survive. We've all heard the horror stories of people in a plane crash high up in the snowy country turning to the eating of the human flesh of those that didn't survive the crash. Why did they do it? They were just doing what they had to do to survive!

Extreme point? YES! But, that is an extreme attitude to have! Sooner or later, living with this type of attitude will cause you to be "eaten up" from the inside because you KNOW that this is NOT the way to truly live nor is it the way to treat your customers, friends and/or family.

In a difficult economy like the one we are still experiencing near the end of 2009, the tendency is to "cut back" and give customers a little less for the money. Might I suggest that, instead, it is the time to give MORE than your customers expect?

This is the time that will separate WINNERS from LOSERS - the choice is yours and, in my opinion, you only LOSE when you decide to cheat others.

And, again, you only cheat yourself in the process.

Now, let's turn our thoughts for a few moments to the idea of, "Never cheat yourself."

We have already discussed one way that we cheat ourselves, now let's look at another way that this can happen in our lives.

You are cheating yourself when you fail to do all within your power to better yourself. Think about it.

If you sit around and watch t.v. during all of your spare time - you are cheating yourself. Oh, I understand that there are some entertaining things on t.v. (I love sports, for example) - but, like with anything else, this should be done in moderation.

If you have decided (and, apparently you have or you wouldn't be reading this blog) to spend some time each day listening to podcasts and/or reading positive information then you have made a decision to try to improve yourself as well as your life.

HOWEVER, it is easy to "skimp" on this and to actually "lie" to yourself by not following through. How many books have you bought that you never read? How many books have you bought that you started, but never finished?

You see, we can make ourselves FEEL GOOD about buying that book, for example. We can give ourselves a false sense of accomplishment by pointing out the wonderful books in our own little library. But, it is just that - a FALSE sense of accomplishment.

We begin to CHEAT OURSELVES when we begin to make excuses for our lack of discipline and thus begin to look for ANY source that might make us feel better.

Come on, friend. Let's get REAL and let's get HONEST with ourselves so that we CAN move on toward our goal of self-improvement!

Seriously, what will you ever accomplish by cheating yourself? And, just as was true in the first part of this blog when I mentioned that you end up cheating yourself when you cheat others...the opposite is also true. When you cheat yourself, you end up cheating those around you as well.

So, bottom line - cheating yourself and/or others is a LOSE/LOSE situation!

Being honest with yourself and others is nothing but a WIN/WIN proposition!

I'll all for being a WINNER - what about you?

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

Mike

"Love YOU!" (Part 2)

"Love YOU!"

In yesterday's blog entry and podcast we noticed two key things concerning the problem many have with loving themselves. The feeling of inferiority that so many feel for many different reasons.

1. IT IS POSSIBLE TO BREAK THROUGH THIS WALL OF INFERIORITY

2. DO NOT ALLOW YOURSELF OR OTHERS TO USE THIS AS AN EXCUSE

Please understand that NONE of this is easy if you are one that has struggled with these feelings of inferiority for most of your life - BUT IT CAN BE DONE!

Today we focus on the NEED for loving one's self and the impact it has on our lives as well as the lives of those around us.

We have all heard the phrase, "You can't love others until you first love yourself." Although I understand the underlying idea in this statement I would guess that many of you would agree with me when I say that this is not always true!

Many times someone that has a struggle with feeling inferior comes across as a "superior" friend! They, many times, are the type of person that will do ANYTHING for ANYONE at ANYTIME. They are wonderful and lavish great attention on their friends while, at the same time, feeling very inferior about themselves.

However, many times - if not all - these relationships will soon begin to self-destruct. How? Why?

The person struggling with the inferiority complex will soon begin to questions these friendships and begin to feel that they do not deserve such friends. "Why should I expect this kind of friendship/relationship to continue? Nothing good ever happens to me so I should not expect this to last!"

That being so they many times "read" things into comments and actions that really aren't there. But, their thoughts have driven them to believe this to be true and they begin to self-destruct. I've seen this happen many, many times.

Then, once this begins to happen they tell themselves, "See? I told you! Why should you expect something good in your life?"

So, yes, when you really look at it with this in mind, it actually DOES become impossible to love others until you learn to love yourself. So, how do you do that?

First - regardless of your belief system (religious or not) - understand and believe that you are here for a reason!

I don't know that I have spoken to anyone that didn't believe that we are all here for a reason and, that reason usually being for the betterment of those with whom we come into contact. Don't you feel that way? Dig deep and I will believe that you will find that you do, indeed, believe this to be true!

You just may feel LOST as to what your purpose is! But let's start with the basic premise first, o.k.?

YOU HAVE PURPOSE! And, that being true (and it is!), means that you have WORTH and you have VALUE regardless of what you have been told by others in your past!

You are a SPECIAL person and there is no one else in the world like you - THIS IS TRUE! Oh, sure, there may be someone that is similar to you in different ways. There may be someone that looks like you - but not EXACTLY like you! There may be someone that has some of your same mannerisms - but not EXACTLY like yours! We could go on and on with this point, but do YOU get the point? THERE IS NO ONE ELSE LIKE YOU! No one!

Again, go back to our study of Napoleon Hill's book, "Think and Grow Rich" and study the chapter on the subconscious mind and realize how you can CHANGE what you believe about yourself. You can begin to BELIEVE and KNOW that you ARE of value and worth and then begin to live and act accordingly.

Secondly, understand the TIME PRINCIPLE!

The "time principle" is simply this: it takes effort and it takes time. You have to WANT to change what you believe about yourself. Do you?

You are making a step in the right direction just by reading this blog article and, hopefully, listening to the podcast! But the ACTION step is a step that only you can take! I can't take it for you nor can anyone else!

If you find it hard to say, "I love you!" in the mirror to yourself each morning, perhaps begin by looking at yourself with a smile on your face and simply say, "Hey, you're alright!" and repeat that at least once a day. It's better if you can do that SEVERAL times a day.

Don't question it. Don't "but" it ("Hey, you're alright!"..but....). Don't dispute it! Say it, feel it and begin to live it!

Again, this will take time - but, hey, anything worth doing takes time, my friend!

YOU CAN DO THIS! Know that you can, believe that you can and soon, LIVE this belief!

Pay attention and see what you begin to attract to your life along the way - you'll be amazed!

Feel free to contact me at anytime by sending me an e-mail at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

And, as always...

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

Mike

Love You! (Part 1)

Love YOU!

Yes, another way to say this is to "Love Yourself" - but I want to emphasize YOU! In today's podcast as well as in this blog entry, we are going to spend a little time with just two important points that I want you to consider today.

Before we do that, let's talk about what I DON'T mean when I say, "Love YOU!". We all realize that we are not alone in this world and that anything and everything we do has some sort of impact on others. You DO realize that, right?

That being so - and it is - we cannot afford to become so wrapped up in ourselves that we complete shut out the world around us and have no care or concern for those around us.

So, we're NOT talking about being SELF-ABSORBED.

Now, on the other side of that coin is the need for us to care about ourselves enough to be the best we can be. This is important for us and it is also important for that same impact on others I talked about earlier.

Do you care enough about YOU - love YOU enough - to take care of yourself spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically? If not, why not?

There are many in our world - and, no doubt, some that are reading this right now - that have been "beaten down" from an early age with cruel and deflating words. Sometimes these have come from "parents" (and I use that word loosely in this case) that told you early and often that you were worthless and/or no good.

That's hard to overcome!

Here's what often happens in a situation like that. You hear it again and again from someone that you expect to love you. So, if that person - that you think loves you - says it, then it MUST be true! You begin to believe it yourself and you begin to act as if you are of no value and you attract that in your life. Others that fuel their character deficiencies by dumping this type of negativity on others pick up on your feeling of inferiority and they gladly add to the pile of negativity that is heaped upon you.

After a period of time you develop such a huge belief of inferiority based on all of this, it is as if there is a huge concrete wall preventing anything good from ever reaching you.

POINT 1 FOR TODAY: It is NOT impossible to work through and break through that wall!

Now, understand - it won't be easy, but it IS possible! You are taking a step in that direction by reading this blog and, hopefully, listening to the podcast as well. A little at a time, you CAN make progress and chip away at that wall of negativity that surrounds you. Remember, "As long as there is breath there is hope!"

Don't get frustrated with yourself if you don't come out of this as quickly as you'd like. This didn't come on you overnight, did it? There are YEARS of layers that you have to work through and it WILL take time.

Also, realize that you may need to seek out professional help to get through this. There is no shame in that and it may be something you might consider.

POINT 2 FOR TODAY: Don't Use This As An Excuse!

Just as it is true that there are plenty of people out there ready to dump their negativity on you there are also plenty of people out there ready to help enable you to stay where you are.

What do I mean?

With the situation described above, you have a couple of choices: 1. Stay where you are and never come out of that feeling of inferiority or 2. DO something to change that in your life. Now, here's the kicker - sometimes we may SAY we want to do something to change our life and that we want to IMPROVE our lives, but we keep making excuses as to why we can't!

Think about it - by doing that, we are actually doing the very thing we DON'T want to do...stay in that prison of inferiority.

There are plenty of other people that will enable us to do just that by making excuses FOR US as to why we can't do anything powerful in our lives. I've seen this again and again. Instead of saying to a particular person, "You know, I know you have had a hard life and that there were some very difficult things that you had to live through, but it's time to claim the power in your own life and do something about it now!" they continue to make excuses such as, "We shouldn't expect too much from this person, after all, they had a rough time earlier in their life."

In my opinion, ENABLING is just as damaging as what was done in the first place with those harmful, negative words.

Excuses that you or others use to enable you to accept who/where you are KEEP YOU IN YOUR PRISON of inferiority!

DO NOT SETTLE FOR THAT!

We will continue this discussion tomorrow by going further into the idea of the importance of LOVING YOU, but I wanted to lay down these two principles right away for your consideration.

Hey, just remember - YOU CAN DO THIS!

And, as always...

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

Mike

Share Your Opportunity!

Hey friends - I announced this idea on today's podcast and directed you to this blog for more information. However, obviously, if you are checking here first - well, here you are! (Sometimes I confuse even myself, so don't worry about it!)

Beginning the first part of October I plan to give someone the chance to share a BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY with my listeners. There are many, many "work from home" opportunities out there and, yes, some are better than others and some are just out-right scams.

So, here are some simple guide-lines to help in this process (these guidelines will be followed - NO exceptions!):

1. I must receive a request from you a MINIMUM of 2 weeks before I would allow you the chance to share your opportunity. I will be asking you some basic questions about the opportunity (how long have you been involved, your results so far, etc.)

2. I DO NOT want to (and will not) feature someone in your "up line" to share this information. I want this to come from YOU - one of my listeners. Believe me, we could all get someone "higher up" that is having incredible success to make it all sound wonderful.

3. You will be given the opportunity to share YOUR contact information. Wow, how great is that? You can share a website and/or e-mail address. Whatever is needed for the listener to look at your opportunity as well as contact YOU for more information.

I see this simply as a way to provide valuable information to my listeners on the opportunities out there. You tell them simply what you know and what you have experienced. This won't be a bunch of hype, but just "one of us" sharing information and providing a way for anyone interested to find out more.

If you have ANY questions about this - be sure to shoot me an email at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com

If things are not ready to go early in October, I'll wait. I want to do this the right way and with integrity.

And, as always -

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, SHARE YOUR JOY and HAPPINESS today!

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

And...as always....

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


Mike