Project 141: PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT (Part 1)

 

 

Today, as I begin to write this blog article I just want to state that I don't know why you are here but I do believe that you are here FOR A REASON. I absolutely do believe that. I do not believe that it is just a coincidence that you are here, now, reading this blog article.

That being the case (and, again, I believe that it is), it is very important that you PAY ATTENTION to what I share with you today. You are here for a reason and there is something that you NEED to read in this article. Or, perhaps, something in this article will cause you to decide to read my previous article or...? 

As I continue my discussion on the "expansion" of Project 141 let me first call your attention to the original concept of Project 141...and that is the financial aspect of the program. You can read, listen and watch everything I've done about that by going to www.myProject141.com .

In the "expansion" of Project 141 I wanted to approach the fact that each of us can do SOMETHING every single day to make a difference in our lives as well as in the lives of others. The numbers in Project 141 represent doing 1 thing per day (or week) 4 (for) 1 year. This is more than your normal "New Year's Resolution" that most people start and stop consistently each and every year. This is more of a "strategic" approach to making actual change and improvement in our lives.

But you MUST be committed to doing this for ONE FULL YEAR!

In my last article, I discussed the importance of spending time in God's Word (the Bible) at least once a day. Again, you may or may not believe in God. That's besides the point. I DO believe in God and I'm simply sharing with you MY thoughts, ideas and suggestions. Whether you believe it or not, I do believe that YOU are a child of God...that you were created by God and, that being the case, you have an absolute need to "connect" with your creator - your Father - every single day. If you've not read that article yet, you can do so by going HERE. 

Closely related to the importance of your SPIRITUAL strengthening each day is your need to also focus on PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT each and every day. Do SOMETHING - (read something, listen to something) in the area of personal development every day for the next year and see what happens in and to your life. Whether you realize it or not, the area of "personal development" is closely related to what I've already discussed - the SPIRITUAL life based on the words of the Bible. That's right, the majority of the things that you read and hear from those that specialize in the area of personal development use thoughts and ideas that come straight from the Bible. 

For example, one of the key components with "personal development" (positive mental attitude, positive attitude, etc.) is that of "guarding/protecting your mind or your mindset". Look at the next graphic and read how the late Jim Rohn put it...

 

I've talked about this for years! The world is FULL of negativity and is more than willing to dump all of that negativity into your mind and mindset. You already know that, right? That's my goal and my purpose with everything that I have done with Future You University since it all started on March 2, 2009 and it still is the focus even now. 

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to hear Jim Rohn speak in person on a few occasions while he was still alive. Notice the very strong word that he uses here: GUARD! This is serious business friend! Also notice how often he stressed that we "stand guard at the door of (our) mind"...EVERY DAY.

A guard is to be AWAKE, ALERT and diligent in his duties. He is not to take the task lightly and he is to PROTECT whatever it is that he is guarding. Get the point?

Now, along those same lines, follow along with this passage from the Bible...

Philippians 4:6-8

New King James Version

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

 Do a little research on those words if you'd like, in Part 2 of this section I will get into the ideas and meanings behind those words and why they are so important as we continue our discussion on PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT.

But, even for now, PAY ATTENTION to what you let into your mind and mindset. BECOME AWARE of the need for YOU to "stand guard at the door of your mind."

Until next time, whatever you do, always 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

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Project 141: SPIRITUAL

 

 www.MyProject141.com

 First of all, let me point out to you that I have "connected" my new domain name for Project 141 to the blog article that I have used to post EVERY update about Project 141. All links to blog articles, podcasts and videos can be found there. Just click on the link above OR go to that web address.

In the last blog article I began to tell you how I went through the thought process of applying "Project 141" to every area of my life every day. In a nutshell, the whole idea behind "Project 141" is to do ONE THING ("1") FOR ("4") ONE YEAR ("1") = 141.

With the "financial" application that I developed, it is the idea of getting ONE person to work with you each day or maybe even it would be 1 per week or 1 per month but with the idea of COMMITTING to doing so for ONE FULL YEAR. Too often we give up too quickly.

So, as we still make our way into the first full week of a new year (1.8.2021), it is also important for us to understand that most "New Year Resolutions" are a complete waste of time because most people do not actually plan to follow through. They expect to fail and they will fail.

Although this is not part of any "New Year Resolution" that I have put together for myself, I did recently sit down and plan out some goals for my life over the next 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and even 3 years. 

But it all starts with what you do TODAY...one day at a time.

I do ask that you COMMIT yourself to this process. DO NOT QUIT! No excuses, no "reasons" (many - if not most - "reasons" are excuses in disguise)...NOTHING!

The list you see above is the one that I came up with while "brainstorming" ideas for Project 141. I mentioned in my last blog article a shorter list that I used while planning out the next 3 years in and for my life. 

Right off, I do not know you or what you believe about God. It doesn't matter. I know who I am and I know what I believe about God. If that offends you, I cannot apologize for that...that is something that you need to work through in your own life

Here's the thing - whether you know it or not or believe it or not, YOU are a child of God! Maybe you are reading this right now because you NEEDED to read this right now. 

I do believe that you are reading this article for a reason and I invite you to also listen to the podcast on this same topic by going HERE. I just know that I feel that God wants me to "step up" and "speak out" about my belief in Him and my dedication to allow myself to be use by Him and for Him.

So, above all else, I have listed "spiritual" at the very top of the things that I want to be sure to improve and strengthen in my life. The way I look at it, it doesn't matter what other "success" you may have in any of the other areas or even ALL of the other areas, if you are not "connected" to your Maker and you are not seeking and living His purpose for YOUR life then it just really doesn't matter. 

That's also why I have "wealth/financial" at the very bottom of the list. Again, it doesn't matter how much money you have if these other areas are out of line. Sure, you'll have money but you will be a miserable person with money.

Here is what I recommend to you in the area of doing something daily in the area of spiritual growth:

      1. Spend time with God. Talk to Him (pray) and hear from Him as well (read from the Bible). I drive about 40 minutes one way to work and this is my "prayer time" each day. God WANTS to hear from you, he WANTS to hear you call out to Him and He also wants to speak to you through His Word (the Bible).

     2. Express THANKS or GRATITUDE: Hey listen, no matter how rough things may be at the moment we ALL have SOMETHING for which to be thankful. This "exercise" is important because it forces us to "dig" deep sometimes to realize that, indeed, we DO have things for which we should express thanks. This can be done as a part of your "prayer" or you can just express it as you go throughout your day. GET INTO THIS HABIT ON A DAILY BASIS!

If you are not used to praying it may feel "weird" and uncomfortable at first. Listen, there is no right way or wrong way for you to talk to God. He created you and wants to hear from you. As with just about anything else, the more often you exercise this activity (just like a muscle) the easier it will become. (Note: Please don't mimic someone that you've heard pray using some big words that don't mean anything to you. YOU talk and express YOUR thoughts from the heart).

Find a "version" of the Bible that you can understand. I actually say a prayer before I read my Bible and I ask God to open my eyes and ears to read and hear what it is He wants to say to me through the passages that I will be reading.

     3. CONNECT TO A CHURCH FAMILY! I can hear some of you now saying "They are all just a bunch of hypocrites!" or "I was a part of a church once and they treated me badly and hurt my feelings." Yes, you are right, the church if full of hypocrites because the church is full of humans just like you and me. Sure, I wish some people took their beliefs more seriously but, you know what, God is in control and He knows. Believe me, on the "I got hurt" thought about being a part of a church family, I won't even get started. I was a minister in the past and, like I said, I could spend a lot of time discussing that fact. Contact me if you are really struggling with that and I will be more than happy to share some thoughts with you on that but let me just say this for now - someone out there needs YOU.  That's right! In Hebrews 10: 24-25 the Christians are encouraged NOT to skip out on meeting together but rather to make sure they do so and to "consider" (think of ways to do this) how to "stir up" love and good works. GOOD STUFF, in other words! Take advantage of the time you have together with others and figure out a way to do all that you can to "stir up" (not stir up drama!) good things! WOW!

So, bottom line, overall, it may be reading one Bible verse a day and/or saying a one sentence prayer. Just do something each and every day in this all-important area and see what happens in your life. Open your eyes to what is good all around you and, as one old church song says, "Count Your Many Blessings" every single day.

Feel free to contact me at any time and I always invite you to leave a comment especially on my Facebook page (link below). I'd love to hear from you. 

Until next time, whatever you do, always 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  Project141

ACTION: The Only Way to Stay "FRESH"

 Stagnant - 1. not flowing or running, as water, air, etc. 2. stale or foul from standing, as a pool of water. 3. characterized by lack of development, advancement, or progressive movement: a stagnant economy.  4. inactive, sluggish, or dull.

And, as a matter of interest, here is a list of words that describe the opposite of being stagnant: active, alert, busy, energetic, lively, mobile, moving, spirited, working.

Allowing any area of your life to become stagnant is very similar to allowing yourself to get into a rut, as we discussed in the last article.

Honestly, no matter what your situation, you MUST do whatever it takes to prevent stagnation in your life! Remember, "No activity equals DEATH!" 

Take a look at that body of water in the above picture. My guess would be that, if there were any fish in that body of water before, many - if not all - have already died due to the lack of fresh water that would continue the life in that water. 

Many would be shocked if they were able to see a visual image like this picture as it described their own life and the lack of activity found therein. 

Just as a charging dog could cause one to be paralyzed by fear and just as the "deepness" of one's rut can do the same, so it is with taking the needed action to prevent themselves from becoming stagnant! 

However, if you desire to live a productive life and if you wish to improve your life in all areas then it is an absolute necessity that you do whatever it takes to bring in "new life" INTO your life in order for it to remain "fresh" and "alive".  

It will not happen over night and it will not happen by itself. It will require YOU to make a decision to take action and it will also require you to actually put that decision into gear by TAKING action. 

Here's the kicker...some people actually are AFRAID of their life improving. What??? I know, as odd as it may seem, there are actually people out there that are fearful of their lives improving for the better.

WHY? Well, as best as I can figure out, it is because it is sometimes easier to live a life of stagnation and  a life in a rut so that one can use that as an excuse for their circumstances. For some, it is easier to blame their lack of action and activity in their life on the very things that are a result of the lacking activity.

Strange, isn't it? But, let's get real here - what about you? Again, as has been discussed in every article in this series, YOU MUST BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF before any advancement can be made.

Read and/or listen to those that can help stimulate your mind and your ideas. Spend time around those people that do the same and spend less time - if any at all - around those that do the opposite.

You MUST begin to bring in some "freshness" to your life if it has become stagnant. You must bring in some "fresh air" to help clear out and clean out the stagnant air that you have become used to.

So, again (from previous articles in this series) what is your WHY or your PURPOSE? What is it that you wish to accomplish?

Bottom line, get moving and take ACTION because it is the ONLY way to stay "fresh".

Tomorrow, we'll discuss the topic: "ACTION: It Becomes Easier With Momentum!"

Until then, whatever you do, always 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     Future You Travel

ACTION: The Only Way to Move Forward

"PURPOSEFUL ACTION"

If you haven't read the introductory article to this series on "The Importance of ACTION" be sure to do so first. You can read it here

As I begin with this first part of this series I want to be sure to emphasize that I am talking about PURPOSEFUL action or, action with purpose.

What do I mean? Well, have you ever seen a dog chase it's own tail? There is a lot of action going on in the process but very little is accomplished!

Look at the images above and you will see three different ways that action is taking place with, perhaps three different purposes.

The first image shows a guy running from a dog which may indicate that his ACTION is motivated by FEAR! Think about it: It IS possible to be "paralyzed" by fear and not even be able to move BUT if this guy wants to avoid being bitten and/or attacked, HE WILL TAKE ACTION with the PURPOSE of avoiding being bitten by the dog.

If you look at the image in the middle you will see a couple of people that are jogging or running. Though it appears that they are simply jogging we have no idea what their PURPOSE in doing so really is, do we? They actually could be running from a dog as well! They could be running as a form of exercise and they may actually enjoy doing so which could mean that, for them, it is also for fun. And, finally, they could also be jogging or running as a means of "transportation" with the PURPOSE of getting from one place to another.

And finally, in the picture on the right, we see an older gentleman riding a bike. Riding a bike definitely requires ACTION in order for you to get that bike moving and it also requires ACTION (at some point) in order to keep it moving. Sure, you can "coast" for a bit and not peddle but, sooner or later, if you wish to keep moving, you must peddle that bike some more. Again, we have no idea what the PURPOSE of this bike ride is by just looking at the picture. Fear? I've been chased by a dog while on a bike before, have you? Exercise? Fun? Transportation from one place to another? Though we don't know the actual PURPOSE of the bike ride we DO know that it requires PURPOSEFUL ACTION - or a DECISION - in order to get that bike moving.

So, as we discuss the IMPORTANCE or even NECESSITY of ACTION in our own lives, it is important for us to be aware of the PURPOSE of what we are doing...the WHY of our activity.

I shared with you on my last podcast that I decided (made an "active decision") that I needed to put some ACTION into my life in several areas. I decided that I need to take some PURPOSEFUL ACTION in the areas of my physical health, my spiritual health as well as the health of my business. I put myself on a strict diet and began to work out on my home gym again. I began on a schedule to spend some time reading my Bible every day and I also wrote down some specific, DAILY goals that I needed to be doing with and for my business. (Notice from the last article how important it is to do this activity on a DAILY basis).

As is always the case, your "WHY" (your PURPOSE) will greatly determine your success in maintaining your ACTIVITY.

So, as I talked about in the last article, you must first BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF as far as the ACTIVITY or ACTION that needs to take place in your own life and in what area(s). You must also decide the "WHY" or the PURPOSE of your action and then dedicate yourself to TAKING ACTION DAILY.  

That's your homework assignment for today. Yes, even that requires that you take action and not just think about it or talk about the need to do so. You MUST take action and DO IT!

In my next article we will discuss the fact that ACTION is the only way to get out of a rut when your activity has ceased or you have lost sight of your purpose.  

Be sure to join me then but, until then, whatever you do, always 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     $20 Travel Business

 

Introduction to "The Importance of Action"

Over the past few days I decided that it was time to TAKE ACTION. 

Oh, I know that there are many that would suggest that I (or them or anyone) should just wait until the start of the new year to take steps to make changes or take action, right? 

But, why SHOULD I and why WOULD I wait when I can start taking action today? 

So, let me share with you what I have decided to do and, as part of this sharing, hopefully encourage you to take action in your own life.

Back at the start of July I made a big "push" to promote that "Future You University" was back! Well, I did do a few blogs and podcasts but, by no means, did I do so in a way that would qualify as saying that I was "back". 

Yeah, as usual, "stuff" kept getting in the way or, to be more honest, I ALLOWED that to be an excuse as to why I wasn't following through with what I said I was going to do. 

IMPORTANT TIP #1: You MUST be honest with yourself about where you are in your own life! 

I have come to realize the absolute NECESSITY of taking ACTION in my life and to get past the excuses that I have allowed to rule - yes, rule - parts of my life. You? 

So, part of my decision to take action - DAILY action - is to get back to doing a DAILY blog article along with a daily podcast and video (Vlog) as well.  

IMPORTANT TIP #2: Make sure you start out with a DAILY activity and stick to it!  

If you try to make a major change without dedicating yourself to DAILY action toward that purpose your chances of failure increase dramatically.  Yes, you can always adjust things later on if necessary but do not be fooled into thinking that you can/should start off doing this any other way except for doing it DAILY!

I also made some other decisions about taking daily action in other areas of my life: physically, spiritually and concerning my business. Why wait to do what everyone does and make those so-called "New Year's Resolutions"?

IMPORTANT TIP #3: Doing what everyone else does will take you to the same place that everyone else ends up...that same place that they started.   

I've already hit a challenge in this process. I'm having some major issues getting my podcast up and publicized. This podcast company has been having some major issues over the past several months but this is the first time that it has directly impacted me. So, to be honest, it may not get published as planned but I will STILL continue to record new ones each and every day. 

IMPORTANT TIP #4: Anytime you plan to make major changes in your life, get ready - THERE WILL BE ROADBLOCKS trying to block your way to successfully completing what you have set out to do.   

Now, interestingly, as is usually the case, this blog article is COMPLETELY different than the podcast and Vlog that I recorded earlier today. So, hopefully that podcast will be available to you soon. If not, check out the video on my YouTube channel (link below) since I recorded them at the same time.

I plan for this to be a series for this week: "The Necessity of ACTION!". Be sure to join me DAILY.  

Until next time, always 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

 

The APPLICATION of FAITH

It's "FUN FRIDAY"! Get out there and LIVE life and have FUN doing it!

All week long we have been talking about faith and, for the most part, have used the Biblical definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen."  I've also been using this definition as an application for us as we strive to reach our goals and dreams that we have set for ourselves. Again, if you've not done so, I encourage you to go back and catch up with the blog AND the podcast (iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/mike-spillmans-future-you/id423660739 and the RSS feed: http://mikespillman.hipcast.com/rss/futureyouuniversity.xml ) before reading today's article.

Today I want to make some spiritual observations and discuss the APPLICATION of FAITH. Sure, you can also apply this to reaching your personal goals and dreams because, again, you can believe something all you want, you can have FAITH that something WILL happen but, until you step out and take ACTION - NOTHING will happen! Again, I'd love to get some feedback from you on today's article either here, via e-mail (mike@futureyouuniversity.com) or on our FB fan page (www.facebook.com/futureyouuniversity).

Once, when I was a young boy, I heard a sermon on the topic of faith. And, in that sermon, I heard it said that with faith I could do anything. Anything? Yes, from what I understood, ANYTHING. So, I decided to test this out and, going into my back yard, tried to pull a full grown tree up out of the ground by putting my little arms as far around that tree as I could which, obviously, wasn't very far around. Guess what? Are you ready for this? That tree stayed put and I wore myself out.

In 1 Corinthians 13:11 Paul says the following: "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things." Now, at the time of the above-mentioned incident, I was definitely a child and I definitely understood the concept of faith as a child would. And, thankfully, I do believe I've matured spiritually to the point that I have a better understanding of this concept of "faith". Notice that I didn't say that I understood it completely. Big difference and I hope you'll NEVER hear me say ANYTHING along the lines of me having it all figured out.

Repeating what was said earlier in the week, "Faith is NOT careless living!" and, to go along with that, "Faith is NOT a magic wand!" Let's look at a great example of the application of faith found in the Bible in Matthew 14: 22-33. I'm not going to "cut and paste" the scripture for you but I'm going to "sum up" what is being found there. I hope that you'll have the opportunity to take a look at it for yourself to see that what I'm saying does, indeed, go right along with what is written there.

When you read the preceding verses you will find that there has been a LOT going on for Jesus and His followers. And, as He would often do, Jesus told his disciples (followers) to go on ahead of Him and that He would join them a little later so that He could spend some alone time in prayer. While He was doing so a storm came up with a lot of wind and it began to toss the boat that the disciples were in quite violently to the point that they feared for their lives.

Sometime around 3 - 6 a.m. (the fourth watch of the night) these frightened disciples looked out on the water and saw what they believed to be a ghost! Think about that for a moment...you're fighting to keep water out of your boat and, among all the hustle and bustle and panic, you look out and see a ghost! I don't know about WALKING on the water but I'm thinking I may have begun RUNNING on TOP of the water and in the opposite direction!

In one of several humorous understatements that I believe are found in the translations of the Bible, we read that they "cried out for fear". Now, maybe that is not an understatement but, if you're like me and many others, we READ it as an understatement. Seriously, put yourself in that situation as much as you can and consider how YOU would sound as YOU "cried out for fear". I'm thinking they were screaming their heads off like a boat load of school girls! Mike's translation reads, "THEY WERE FREAKING OUT!"

What did Jesus do? Did He play tricks on them by appearing on one side of the boat and then - BAM - switching sides? Did He say, "Boo!"? Nope. The Bible states that IMMEDIATELY - and, friends, I think that is a KEY POINT that we should always remember - He began to try to calm them down by telling them NOT to be afraid because it was Him, not a ghost, but Him.

Now, one of the disciples - PETER - once realizing that it was Jesus (this same Jesus that Peter had seen do many miracles) replied, (and I paraphrase), "O.k., if it's really you, tell me to come out there with you!". I don't think this was a taunt or a "prove it to me" type of thing. Peter KNEW who Jesus was and he KNEW that he would be safe with Jesus but he wanted that "substance of things hoped for" to be based on TRUTH!

Jesus said, "Come on!" and Peter had a decision to make. He could stay in the boat that was in danger of sinking or, not really knowing how it would work, he could step out and go to Jesus who he KNEW could do things that had never been seen or done before.

Peter had to "put his money where his mouth was" (a trait that Peter exhibited quite often) and make a decision. Look again at that definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the SUBSTANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR (Peter's hope was that, by getting out of that boat, he would be safe with Jesus) and the EVIDENCE OF THINGS NOT SEEN" (Peter also knew that, even though he had NEVER seen anyone walk on top of the water like Jesus was doing, there was EVIDENCE in the fact that, indeed, Jesus WAS doing just that and, again, that he - Peter - had seen EVIDENCE of Jesus' mighty miracles).

Look at verse 29 - "....and when Peter came down out of the boat..." Notice it says Peter and not, "Peter and the other disciples". Just Peter. And he did it - he got out of the boat and began to walk - ON TOP OF THE WATER - toward Jesus.

Yes, once he noticed the big waves around him, he became afraid and he DID sink. However, do NOT miss the following points: He was the ONLY one that trusted in Jesus enough to put their FAITH into ACTION and to get out of the boat and, secondly, even though he "failed" (according to some) and began to sink, Jesus still rescued him and walked him back to the boat, safe and sound.

SPIRITUAL APPLICATION: Friend, it's one thing to SAY what we believe. It's one thing to try to convince those around us of our faith in God and His Son, Jesus. But, it's not what we say, it's what we DO - what we SHOW by the lives that we live - that truly demonstrate our FAITH!

Too, for ourselves, we can try to convince OURSELVES that we have a great amount of faith but, without ever putting it into action (getting out of the boat) we're just fooling ourselves. Fact is, we are the only ones being fooled because those around us are likely NOT being fooled when they see our ACTIONS speaking louder than our WORDS.

Hey friend, I'm still working on stepping out of that boat more often than I do and I want to encourage you to keep on growing in YOUR faith in the one we call JESUS.

As we work to walk more in FAITH, I want to encourage you to...

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

Mike