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Showing posts with label suicide prevention. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suicide prevention. Show all posts
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Friday, March 13, 2020
Flashback Friday: "There Is Hope - and TODAY IS THE DAY!"
"As long as there is breath - there is hope!" - Mike Spillman
Wow, talk about "flashback"...I've gone all the way back to the very first podcast and blog article that I posted back on March 2, 2009. Be sure to listen to the podcast (link below) for this original and premiere podcast for the "full story" behind today's topic. The article that went along with this original podcast is very short but I will still share it with you today. Here you go...
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Wow, what an awesome day this has been!
I'm not going to go back over everything I talked about in that podcast entitled, "There Is Hope" but I do want to simply "touch base" on a little of it to share with you here.
In the podcast I quote a few other people on their thoughts about "hope" and I also share one that I came up with myself which is: "As long as there is breath - there is hope." (not too shabby, huh?)
Don't ever forget that! No matter how dark things may seem - no matter how hopeless they may appear --- as long as you have breath, THERE IS HOPE!
Listen to the podcast and then begin to look around you through the "eyes of HOPE" as opposed to looking thorough the darkness of doom and despair.
Please feel free to leave comments and/or ask questions - I'd love to get your feedback and hear from you.
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Thursday, March 12, 2020
How High Are YOUR Hopes?
The graphic above features some lines from the song, "High Hopes" by Panic at the Disco and, if I remember correctly, was "hot" around the end of 2019. Even though the popularity of the song has come and gone, I STILL love the song but especially love the words found IN the song.
You can read the words to the chorus for yourself but I want to highlight a few ideas from the song that have inspired me these past several months.
1. Even When Things Aren't Good - Keep Moving On With Your Hopes and Dreams!
"Shooting for the stars when I couldn't make a killing, didn't have a dime but I always had a vision" says, very plainly that things were not always "super-great" for the writer of this song. Wouldn't you agree? But, even though things weren't that good, they had HIGH HOPES that caused them to see past the struggle. How?
2. Always Keep Your Vision in Focus!
Whoever wrote this song expresses the FACT that one can rise above the struggles and setbacks and keep their eyes on their VISION. As a matter of fact, this is an absolute necessity if one wishes to succeed. Things will not always go smoothly or as planned and your VISION and your hope/belief in that vision will be what helps you keep moving forward...REGARDLESS.
3. Don't Worry About the "How"
Bob Proctor discusses this idea when he talks about coming clear with your vision and desire for your future. What do you wish to attract into your life? What do you wish to achieve? "See" it and declare it for your life but DON'T WORRY ABOUT HOW it is going to happen. He says that the "how" will appear as you keep your eyes on the vision.
Pretty cool, huh? Too often, too many people fail to even get started because they feel that must first figure out HOW they are going to make "it" happen. And, that being the case, they will stay right where they are.
How high (or strong) are YOUR hopes? How strong and in focus is YOUR vision? How powerful is YOUR purpose?
Know that, anytime you attempt to achieve betterment in your life, there WILL be struggles and roadblocks along the way. You must decide NOW what you will do when those difficulties come your way. Plan for it, prepare for it and move on toward your goals and dreams!
And, as you do so, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Results INSPIRE
Over the years, as I have checked into several different "home based business opportunities", I have always asked ONE question right from the start - "What are YOUR results?" Oh, listen, I know for a fact that anyone that is "recruiting" someone new to their business HATES that question and it's a question that THEY bring up to the person that recruited them: "What do I say if I don't have any results yet?"
Now, please understand that this is MY view on this and you sure don't have to agree with me. I know, for a fact, that those involved in "recruiting" don't agree with me on this and, again, that's o.k. I know that, when a "new recruit" is asked that question and they don't yet have any results, they are told to talk about someone else's results. I get it. I really do. But, for me, I want to know what results THAT person has had and - again, just my take on this - if they don't have any results to share then they shouldn't be trying to recruit anyone else. I hear you but, let me say again, that's MY view about it, o.k.?
RESULTS INSPIRE. But, in my opinion, they need to be PERSONAL results for it to really matter.
I've shared my story with you on several occasions about losing 100 pounds over the course of thirteen months way back in 2003. Guess what? I didn't have to talk about someone else's results when mine were right there in front of them to see for themselves. On the other hand, if I had been trying to get people to buy into this weight loss plan and I, personally, had not had ANY results to share then, who would have thought it was a good program?
RESULTS INSPIRE.
Hey friend, it's the same way with the idea of PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT. Your journey to develop a "better" version of yourself can, indeed, inspire others. If those that have consistent contact with you see a change in your attitude and mindset then, guess what? They would be more open to listening to you if you encourage them to try to develop a positive mindset in and for their own lives.
Yet, at the same time, you need to understand this fact: THEY ARE WATCHING YOU! And, if they hear you "promoting" personal development and a positive mindset and they have seen NO change in your attitude and mindset then, guess what? They will treat you like the hypocrite that you are. That doesn't mean that you will ALWAYS be "on" and never have a bad day or moment but it DOES mean that, overall, there has been a change in your life.
What are YOUR results? Don't forget, RESULTS INSPIRE.
Hey, if you would, be sure to also listen to the podcast and watch the video that goes along with today's topic. The links can be found below.
And, 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
Monday, March 9, 2020
Stop Trying to Fit In
Why do so many try to "fit in"? Why do so many try to be like someone else, instead of being themselves? I'm sure there are many different answers to those questions and you, yourself, may have struggled with this very thing in your life.
But, let me ask another questions: Why try to be like someone else when YOU are the ONLY YOU in existence? YOU are UNIQUE and there is no one else like you - never has been and never will be!
I do understand wanting to emulate - or copy - some favorable characteristics that some have. We all need mentors or those that we look up to as a good example. I get that. I understand that and I support that.
HOWEVER, that does not mean that you should give up who you are in order to "be like" someone else. Make sense?
The fact that you are UNIQUE (and you are!) supports what the graphic above states...you were BORN to STAND OUT!
Now listen, let's use a little common sense here, o.k.? Yeah, I know...sometimes common sense ain't so common but, still, help me out here. Obviously, if you are a mean spirited jerk to everyone around you then, friend, you need to STOP being "that" version of you and do all that you can to become a better you and the BEST you that you can be!
We ALL should be striving to do that in our lives and for the impact that we have on those around us. That's the whole purpose of "personal development", right? That's my whole purpose in what I have done over the past 11 years through Future You University...to help each of us to be a better "future version" of ourselves than we are now.
Again, you are unique and there is no one else like you. You have certain gifts, talents and abilities that only YOU bring to the table of life.
That being said, stop trying to fit in when you were BORN to "stand out"!
Please be sure to check out the podcast and the video that goes along with today's topic. You can find the links below.
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
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Sit In The FRONT Row!
Those that speak to audiences LOVE the "front row people". We know that those who are sitting in the front row have likely made some sort of sacrifice in order to be in the front row. They may have paid more for their ticket that placed them in the front row OR they may have gotten into line EARLY in order to make sure that they had a chance to get down to the front row before all of those seats were gone.
They are at that particular event to get as much out of it as they possibly can. They are eager and ready to learn and absorb as much as possible while they have the chance. They do not want ANY distractions by others and they WILL NOT give up their seat in the front row!
Friend, this should be the way that you approach YOUR LIFE! You need to do all that you can and make whatever sacrifices required so that you can MAKE SURE that you are on the "front row" of your life! Your life - just like the fact that you are unique - is uniquely yours...why would you want to take a chance on missing out on ANYTHING in and for your life?
Just like in the last article, let me say that I really urge you to WATCH THE VIDEO (link below) that goes along with today's topic. I'm just able to illustrate some things about the following graphic that I just cannot do through print...but I'll do my best.
The graphic - or picture - below is my all-time favorite that I have used and shared over the past 11 years. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT and have gotten feedback from others that say the same.
Take a good, close look at it and see if you don't smile when you do so.
Take a look at the two ladies on the front row....WOW! You have NO DOUBT that they are having the time of their lives, right? Look at their faces...they are not just smiling. They are laughing and, you can tell that they just cannot help but do so! They are trying to hold their dresses down and the one on the right is doing her best to hold on to her hat. These two ladies illustrate the "JOY OF THE FRONT ROW".
Now, when you take a look at the two ladies that are in the second row, you notice a slight change. Yes, they are smiling but - hey, c'mon - it's NOTHING like the two in the front row. And then, go to the third row. Hello? Are they even ON a roller coaster? You seriously could not tell it by just looking at them. They look as if they are bored out of their minds and, honestly, they look a little "hacked off".
Do NOT allow yourself to become complacent about living your life in the time you have been given on this earth. Do NOT allow time to pass you by that you will never, ever be able to regain. Do NOT live a life of regret when you have the CHOICE of living your life in the front or third row.
What does that mean for you and your life? I'd love to get your feedback on that. Yes, I know you can leave comments below this article but, if you would, I'd prefer you to go to my Facebook page (link below) to do so. Thanks, in advance, for doing so.
In the next article I will share an article from the past through "Flashback Friday". And, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Life Happens!
I'm guessing that you - like me - can relate to the graphic above. Am I right? I would also guess that your answer to that question would be an emphatic, 'YES!"
We all have ideas and plans about how our life is going to go but, in reality, "life" has a different idea and, as the title for today's topic declares: "LIFE HAPPENS".
I really want to encourage you to watch the video (YouTube link below) for this topic so that you can see how I illustrate this next part that I'm going to discuss with you now...I think it would be beneficial for you.
In both pictures let's call the lower left hand corner, or the "starting point", point A. And, again, in both pictures let's call the arrow tip point B. Got it?
Obviously, in the first picture on the left, the graph indicates how everything would go IF everything went perfectly! There are no "hiccups" or detours, just a straight and upward climbing path of success.
HOWEVER, the picture on the right would likely more accurately depict the pattern in your life as well as mine. And, yeah I'm sure we have all even sat with a stunned look on faces saying, "What happened?" Here's your answer: "LIFE HAPPENED!"
In both pictures, notice that BOTH scenarios start off at the same spot - point A. The picture on the left shows a steady, uninterrupted and upward climb to point B. I'm not going to say that point B is where a person "ended up" but, rather, it is where they are, CURRENTLY, in their journey.
Now I want you to focus on the graph on the right. Again, point A begins in the same spot and, although there are ups and downs and even circles at times, point B is still at a higher place on the graph than point A. Oh, I know, it's not as "high" on the graph as the first picture BUT, still, it definitely shows progress!
Keep this in mind and don't ever lose sight of that fact! Even though there have been obstacles and delays and even though you have even gone in circles at times, you are STILL making progress and moving closer to your goals and dreams! That is, as long as you don't allow yourself to give up.
I've shared this thought with you many times before but it fits right in with this discussion: "Even if you take 2 steps forward and 1 step back, you are STILL ahead of where you started by 1 step!"
Seriously, watch the video. You'll be glad that you did and DO NOT EVER lose sight of your goal and DON'T YOU DARE EVER GIVE UP!
Keep pushing and keep moving my friend.
And, as you do so, whatever you do, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
C.S.P.I. - What Is THAT?
Simply put "Common Sense Positive Information" is what I have done my best to provide through Future You University for the past 11 years.
Oh, I know that I haven't actually called it that over that time period but, when I recently thought about it I realized that it was a perfect "name" for what I have done and continue to do.
Hey listen, I'm not one that is going to talk about psychological patterns or studies or whatever that will help you understand who you are and why you do what you do. That's just not me.
I'm not knocking those that do...it's just not me.
I've always tried to communicate in a way that ANYONE can understand and apply whatever it was that I was discussing.
Years ago, when I was in ministry, I always tried to do the same thing. When I was still in youth ministry, I would have the opportunity to speak to the church about once a month. Just like now, I always did my best to present information in a way that I would like it to be presented to me. I wanted to do so in a way that ANYONE could understand and apply in and for their lives.
The "preacher" at one of the churches I worked with was what you would call an "orator". In other words, he was good at crafting words and making a "speech" but, at the same time, he really rarely - if ever - actually connected with his audience. At this particular church, I would always have one of the leaders come to me after I would speak and tell me how much he enjoyed my presentation because it was done in such a way that he could actually understand it! My thought was, "Well, why do you guys allow this other guy to "preach" every Sunday?"
I hope that you have enjoyed my approach to the material that I have shared with you over the past 11 years. Please take a moment and stop by my Facebook page and let me know (link below). I'd love to hear from you!
Be sure to join me next time and, until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, February 24, 2020
So You're Saying There's A Chance?
Earlier this month I came across this sign in the office of a "weight loss center" and I knew I had to take a picture of that sign. I did post it on my FYU Facebook page (link below) either the same day or the day after but I did not make any comments about it at that time.
But, today, in this article, I want to spend a few minutes discussing what you see in the graphic above. I absolutely LOVE what it has to say to and for each of us.
It doesn't really make a lot of difference if you are talking about weight loss, career choices, relationships or making a shift in mindset, all of these things contain a CHOICE if there is a CHANGE that is desired to take place.
Now, to be honest, deciding that you want to lose some weight and get in better shape is not as risky as someone considering making a completely different change in their career path. But, at the same time, there is a CHOICE that has to be made before the CHANGE can take place, right?
Once you have made the CHOICE - or decision - to make a CHANGE in your life, in any area of your life, then you also have another choice - or decision - that must be made. What will you do with your CHOICE or your DESIRE to make the change?
If you truly desire (how strong is your "why"?) for the change to take place then, friend, you MUST take the CHANCE and take action.
How important is this desired CHANGE for your life? How important is it for you to reach or obtain that CHANGE for your life? That (your "why") will determine, to a great extent, how determined you will be to reach that goal of CHANGE.
Many are afraid of taking that CHANCE in and for their lives due to their fear of failure. They, themselves are afraid of possible failure and they are often also afraid of what others will think or say if they do fail in this effort.
Sure, you might temporarily fail or have a set back but, again, how determined are you to achieve this CHANGE in and for your life? Is that temporary failure and set back worth the CHANCE?
ANY change...ANY change first and foremost requires that you CHOOSE to finally do something about whatever it is that you are dissatisfied with in your life and then you MUST determine if you are willing to take the CHANCE required for that CHANGE to actually take place in and for your life.
The CHOICE is yours and yours alone. And, as you consider the CHANGE that you wish for your life, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Friday, February 21, 2020
What Makes YOU Happy?
"In the midst of "doing more of what makes you happy", perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others."
Mike Spillman
What makes you happy?
Hopefully, your answer to that question would be different at age 5 compared to age 35 or 55. But, for some in our society that, although the "object" of their answer may change, their "mindset" remains very similar. In other words, what makes them happy still revolves around THEM.
The "pursuit of happiness" is actually one of three "unalienable rights" listed in the Declaration of Independence so, obviously, there is nothing wrong or immoral about doing just that.
You and I have both heard of (or know of, personally) those who sought or pursued happiness in all kinds of ways only to come back "empty" in more ways than one. Many that have done so express the lack of fulfillment in their pursuit.
What about you? What - in your experience along your pursuit of happiness - have you found to TRULY bring happiness into reality? Are you still searching?
As my quote suggests, "...perhaps more happiness will come when you do more to bring happiness to others."
My guess is that you and I have also both heard of or seen others that have expressed this very thought. They have found true happiness by bringing happiness to others, by SERVING others. By taking their eyes - their FOCUS - off of themselves.
Check that idea out for yourself and let me know what you find. I'd love to hear from you about your journey in this way.
And, as you do so, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Get Your THINK On!
"The only difference between those who fail and those who succeed is the way they THINK!"
Mike Spillman
"C'mon, Mike, don't you think you are over-simplifying things a bit with that quote?"
Absolutely not! It really IS that simple, friend! Please be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic to get some additional material as I discuss this very important topic.
I really DO mean to say that the ONLY difference between those who fail and those who succeed is the way that they think. It's their mindset! And, yes, there IS a difference in how "these people" think as compared to the "ordinary person" which, many times, describes you and me.
I've heard SEVERAL wealthy and successful people say that, if for some misfortune, they were to lose all of their wealth that it would not be that big of a setback. Why? Because they KNOW that they can recover that wealth and, likely, even more. Compare that to most of us if we were to get "wiped out" by some unfortunate event. "WOE IS ME! I'M RUINED AND DOOMED TO DESTITUTION!"
However - and this is important - it IS possible for you and me to CHANGE the way that we think and to IMPROVE our mindset and how we think about things. We DO have the ability to learn how to think about and approach roadblocks, set backs and obstacles that get in our way as we try to achieve our goals and/or dreams. We DO have the ability to develop a "never-give-up" mentality as opposed to a mentality that says, "Give Up" at the very first sign of resistance.
How do you develop such a mindset?
Let me answer that question with a few questions: What do YOU do EACH DAY to make sure that you are absorbing as much POSITIVE information as possible? What and who do you read about so that you can study what that person has done to achieve the success that they may have? What do YOU do on a DAILY basis to "fortify" your mindset and to protect it from the negative influences that we all face every day?
It's like someone saying that they want to get in the best shape of their life and, as part of that, they really want to develop a muscular physique but, at the same time, they are unwilling to do ANY exercise or lean anything about weight training.
How is YOUR thinking? Do you need to refocus your mindset back to the "what IS" side of the equation and away from the "what ISN'T" side?
As the graphic states, maybe it's time to "Get Your THINK On!" and, friend, spending time here is just one of the ways to help you in that process. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of that process for you.
Drop by my Facebook page (link below) and let me hear from you. Until then, whatever you do, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
More Than One Day
"Good or bad - Don't base your DECISIONS on just one day." - Mike Spillman
I've heard something very similar to this most - if not all - of my life, haven't you? I usually heard it if I found myself in a situation that was not going well and that I had begun to gripe and complain about.
It wasn't always a job. I remember this actually going back to when I was in Jr. High and High School in dealing with sports teams. My Dad would tell me to take the time to really think things out before I made a decision as to whether I wanted to continue to play or to quit.
And, as I continued along my path into college and adulthood, I received this advice several more times. I wanted to quit college after my freshman year but my Mom encouraged me to stay for at least one more year and then decide. I did so and ended up graduating after four years of college.
"Hey Mike, when you say 'good or bad'...what do you mean by 'GOOD'?"
Believe it or not, it IS possible to make a hasty decision when things are going good! There have been many that have worked for themselves in some sort of "work-from-home-opportunity" that did pretty well pretty quickly and made a hasty decision to quit their "regular" job. Oh, sure, they may not have made the decision in just a day but, at the same time, they did not really give the thought deserved by such a major move.
This type of approach even goes into someone deciding to make a major purchase simply because their job is going well and they've made some good money. Often this leads to a purchase of an expensive automobile or money spent on exotic vacations. And, often, that person ends up losing that job or that position and they end up broke or almost broke.
We ALL have "bad days" whether it be in connection to our jobs, our marriages or even other relationships. It's easy - as I talked about earlier this week - to find those that are ready to join you in your frustration and griping. This just makes it "easier" for you to make a hasty (and often costly) decision.
Hey, just think about it for a moment. Let's say that you have begun to focus on what all is WRONG with your spouse and you have become so negative toward them and about them that you begin to consider a divorce. Just like the example in the last paragraph, there will ALWAYS be someone of the opposite sex that is willing (and waiting) to "console" you and lend a supportive ear while you gripe and complain about your spouse and your marriage. And yes, they, too, make it "easier" to make a hasty (and often costly) decision.
So, yes - ABSOLUTELY - do NOT allow the course of ONE DAY (good or bad) cause you to make a hasty decision but, at the same time, don't take the words "one day" too literally in today's quote.
TAKE THE TIME TO THINK THINGS THROUGH BEFORE MAKING MAJOR DECISIONS IN ANY AREA OF YOUR LIFE.
Maybe that's a better, more accurate way to say it...would you agree?
Thanks for joining me today! Please be sure to also listen to the podcast and to also watch the video (links below) and be sure to stop by my Facebook page (link below) and leave some feedback.
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
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Where Do YOU Live?
"LEARN from the past but don't LIVE in the past." - Mike Spillman
Sometimes I love to just sit and listen to older people talk about the past. Now, yes, I DO understand that "older people" is a relative term but I think you know what I mean, right? What is "older", you ask? "Older" is simply someone that is OLDER THAN ME!
I remember once, while in college, I traveled with a group of college students to a town in Ohio where we were going to spend a week helping "older people" in different ways. When I found out that visiting a nursing home for the week was available, I jumped on the opportunity!
I am so thankful that my parents made sure that me and my siblings spent time visiting nursing homes, even if we didn't know any of the people there. I believe it gave me the opportunity - early on - to realize what value these people still had for those that would take the time to sit down and listen.
Anyway, on this particular trip to Ohio, there was one lady that, honestly, could not remember what you had said to her five minutes before but, when I could get her to talk about growing up she could talk to me for hours - in detail - about events that she experienced along the way. I loved getting to spend time with her and listen to her talk about her past.
But, I also discovered somewhere along the way in my life that there are those that, although they may also remember events in their past with vivid detail, they choose NOT to talk about their past. Why? Because the memories are not pleasant and they would just as soon FORGET those memories.
There are many that, indeed, have LEARNED from past events but have NO DESIRE whatsoever to even THINK about re-living their past. But, on the other hand, there are also many others that still seem to focus all of their attention on the past and long for those days.
Oh, believe me, there are times that I wish I could go back in time and re-live and re-do some things in my past...especially as a parent. I miss the times that I had with my three boys and, like I said, there are many things I wish I could go back and re-do. But, obviously, I cannot.
There are many that have had great successes in their past perhaps in the business world in whatever profession that they were in or maybe even in athletic achievements. They continue to think about and share stories about their "glory days" to anyone and everyone that will listen.
But, there is a difference between the little old lady in the nursing home in Ohio and these people. The little old lady was simply "re-counting" information about those events in her past while this other group of people are still trying to "re-live" them.
Good OR bad memories all bring us to the same place with this. YES, be sure that you LEARN from the past but, friend, don't try to LIVE in the past.
If you went through some horrible things that have left bad memories then I am sure that you HAVE learned some valuable lessons from those experiences. But friend, do all that you can not to dwell on re-living those bad memories. Yes, get the help that you may need to help you get past that in and for your life, but please do all that you can to stop living in and through your past.
And, at the same time, if your memories are good and bring about a sense of pride, that's o.k., too BUT do not continue to try to live in the past or try to RE-LIVE those events. They are in the past, they are gone, never to be re-claimed or re-lived. Enjoy them but understand that you still have so much to offer those around you besides those memories.
Remember: That period ahead of us that we often call "tomorrow" does not actually exist and neither does that past time period that we call "yesterday". Yesterday no longer exists. That being true (and it is!), all we have is right now and the time that we call TODAY.
What memories will you make for yourself today? What memories will your words and actions make for those around you today?
Think about that and always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, February 17, 2020
Focus On...
Yeah, I realize that this is something that I have talked about a lot recently but, this is the quote that I had lined up for today so I want to touch base with it again.
Let's get to it...it's EASY to focus on what ISN'T. It's EASY to focus on what is WRONG. It's EASY to focus on what WE WISH WERE DIFFERENT!
It's EASY because doing so is achieved by taking the path of least resistance.
Think about it...doing so takes NO DISCIPLINE whatsoever! You already know this to be true, right? The easiest thing to do is gripe and complain about what is WRONG ("what isn't") with your spouse, your friends, your job, your family and your country. And, you know that you have experienced the fact that there are plenty of people ready to join you in this approach.
The discipline comes in focusing on what IS! Especially if you have been accustomed to always focusing on what ISN'T. It will take a lot of discipline to change your outlook, your perspective and - most importantly - your whole mindset.
So, friend...the choice is yours. What will YOUR focus be?
When you begin to focus on WHAT IS you soon discover that, indeed, you are blessed.
Hey listen, BE SURE to listen to the podcast and watch the video for some ADDITIONAL material that can only be found there. You'll be glad that you did.
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
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, February 10, 2020
Failure to Adjust
'Adjustment does not mean failure.
Failing to adjust will, many times, bring about failure."
- Mike Spillman
Sometimes - and I'm not even really sure HOW this happens - we can really get some "strange" ideas, can't we? Especially when it comes to the topic of "failing" or being a "failure".
Here, for example, is one of those "strange ideas" that I've heard others state when it comes to failing or being a failure: The idea that, if you have had to "redirect" your focus or your approach on reaching a particular goal then, you have failed and, thus, you are a failure.
REALLY?
To some extent, it's similar to the idea of someone being an "overnight" sensation in any field. Just because YOU or a large group of people have just now heard of this person does NOT mean that their success has been "overnight". Not by a long shot! The following graphic should help illustrate this point:
In much the same way that people mistakenly believe that someone IS an "overnight sensation" they also often are mistaken in their idea that a person sets out on a "journey" to reach their goal and - BAM! - without any struggles, roadblocks, adjustments or delays, they reach their goal triumphantly and successfully, right on target!
It simply DOES NOT happen that way!
And, if you are thinking that it is how it will be or should be with and for you then, friend, you WILL be frustrated, disappointed and you likely WILL give up along the way.
Determination and persistence means that you WILL make the necessary adjustments so that you CAN continue toward your goals and/or dreams. ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT MEAN FAILURE!
However, as my quote points out, "FAILURE TO ADJUST will, many times, BRING ABOUT FAILURE."
Keep that in mind as you continue to move forward and, by all means, make whatever adjustments you need to make that will allow you to continue to get closer to your goals and dreams.
Thanks for joining me today. Please be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video that goes along with today's topic. The links are found below.
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
Friday, February 7, 2020
Mike's Quotes #47: No Vision, No Success
As the above quote states, yes, this is a Biblical truth but it is also a very important FACT that we MUST apply to our individual and personal lives IF we plan to move ahead toward our goals and dreams.
We have talked quite a bit about vision this week and about what you "envision" for your future life. You MUST have a "goal" or a "vision" that pushes and pulls you - at the same time - through any difficult situation with determination to reach that "goal" or to make that "vision" a reality.
If you don't have such a plan (a goal or vision) for your life then, friend, you're just spinning your wheels and wasting your time. Going back to my earlier article from this week, your "dreams" are just "fantasy dreams" that might as well be about jumping over a marshmallow rainbow while riding a unicorn!
NO VISION - NO SUCCESS!
I know that you have heard about putting together a "vision board" as a way to "visualize" what it is that you desire in and for your life. This is simply posting pictures of THAT house, car, location, cruise or whatever it is that you desire, on a "board" or wall or wherever, so that you can SEE this every single day. The idea is that, by seeing this every day, you will become to see this desire as a reality until it does, actually, become just that - a reality.
Here is something that you MUST understand about this: A "vision board" is nothing but a bunch of pictures unless you actually TAKE ACTION in order to begin the process of making these things become a reality in your life. It's simply a "day dream" or "wishful thinking" without action.
NO VISION - NO SUCCESS!
So, one more time - what's YOUR vision?
SEE it...MOVE forward toward it...LIVE it and then BECOME it!
And as you do so, always be sure to...
Mike
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Mike's Quotes #45: A Level Roller Coaster?
"A level roller coaster would not be much fun." - Mike Spillman (1.8.2019)
Why do you ride a roller coaster? Isn't it for the thrills? Isn't it for the speed, the ups and downs and, even on some, those "upside down" loops that you go through? YEAH!
And, at the same time, if I were to ask some why they DON'T ride a roller coaster, the answer would likely be very similar.
Either way, what makes a roller coaster a roller coaster is what makes it a "must do" for some and a "no way" for others. Point being, "a level roller coaster would not be much fun!"
Can you imagine being on a level roller coaster? No thanks!
But friend, it's the same with life. It's kind of like what I shared via my blog a few months ago when I asked, "If there were no frustrations, would I recognize elation when it arrived?"
Oh, I'm not saying that difficult times are fun but, at the same time, they help me realize that I AM ALIVE and I am a part of this roller coaster ride that we call "life"!
I like to compare it to that long, slow, hard, "up hill" part of a roller coaster ride right at the start. It's not an exciting part of the ride, right? Although, for me, I hate that part because I am afraid of heights. Anyway, this is a part of the process...getting you "high enough" to turn loose and "fly" down the track and to propel you for the rest of the ride.
When things become difficult and it seems as if everything is "up hill", I try to think about the roller coaster and how I'm about to experience the THRILL of the ride, but only AFTER the up hill struggle.
"A level roller coaster would not be much fun." In the same way, a life without "ups and downs" might seem attractive but, friend, it would not be a life to experienced by anyone.
Be sure to listen to the podcast and also watch the video by checking out the links below. And, 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
Monday, February 3, 2020
Mike's Quotes #43: Live the TRUTH of Your Dreams!
truth troo͞th
n. Conformity to fact or actuality.
n. Reality; actuality.
For the purpose of this article, I want to draw attention to the second definition given above: "reality; actuality"
Yet, in my quote, I talk about living the TRUTH of your DREAMS. Dreams? Dreams aren't real, right? And, if that is so, how can I connect something that is "not real" to the very definition of the word "truth" when the words "reality" and "actuality" are used?
For me I believe that you must ask yourself what YOU mean by the word, "dreams".
Are your dreams something that resides in the fantasy world? I mean, do your dreams involve you jumping over marshmallow rainbows while riding on the back of a unicorn? That would definitely fit into the category of "fantasy", would it not?
But, at the same time, if your "dreams" consist of things that are so far out of your realm of possibility that you don't actually take any action to bring these dreams to "reality" and "actuality" then, friend, they also remain in the category of "fantasy".
Make sense?
Yet, if your "dreams" are an expectation and vision of what is yet to become reality then, friend, we are talking about something completely different! Even if your dreams stretch you and even push your limits of "is it possible?", they can still be something that you can envision as REALITY in your future.
If your desire to turn that vision into reality is strong enough, you will not only simply DREAM of those things but you will TAKE ACTION to bring those dreams into reality and/or actuality in and for your life!
In the same way, great men and women in history brought their DREAMS into REALITY and that reality became so for not only them, but for you and me as well. THINK ABOUT THAT FACT!
And now you discover how one can begin to "live the TRUTH" of their dreams. You see or envision your dreams and you decide that it is something that you MUST achieve in and for your life. Then - and this part is HUGE - you begin to walk in or "go confidently in the direction of your dreams". You begin to TAKE ACTION by taking those steps and, as a result, you begin to "live the TRUTH of your dreams".
Here's another kicker - when you begin to do this, you find that you begin to "walk" and conduct yourself as if the dream has already become a reality. You begin to walk IN your belief and your dream and this will actually bring that dream into reality even quicker than you ever imagined.
Be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video on this topic - THIS IS KEY! You will hear some additional thoughts and you will hear me talk about this with passion. The links can be found below.
One other thing...if you believe this to be POWERFUL and BENEFICIAL, please take on the responsibility of SHARING this important message to anyone and everyone that you can. Help me help others begin to "live in the TRUTH of their dreams".
Be sure to join me for my next topic as we discuss what it is that you actually seek. Thanks in advance for all that you do to help spread this message and, 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
Thursday, January 30, 2020
Mike's Quotes #41: Be Honest With Yourself
“Be HONEST with yourself!
If you’re not going to be honest with yourself, you’re not going to be honest with anyone else.” - Mike Spillman (11/25/2019)
This article is being published on January 30, 2020...one day before the end of the first month of this new year. How are you doing with whatever goals that you set for yourself at the start of this month?
Even if we're not talking about "New Year's Resolutions", I'm sure you DID make some sort of goals and plans for your life for 2020, right? Again, the first month of this year is all but gone and the question remains: "How are you doing and how have you done so far?"
What kind of "self-talk" will you have with yourself about those two questions? What will you tell yourself? Will you be HONEST with yourself in the process? I can hear you now, "Mike! How DARE you suggest that I would not be honest with myself!"
I hope you ARE honest with yourself and that you WILL BE honest with yourself when considering the two questions I proposed a couple of paragraphs ago. Here's the thing: the easiest person in the world to be dishonest with is yourself!
That's right. It's actually very EASY to be DISHONEST with yourself and, at the same time, YOU are the HARDEST person to be honest with when it comes to that "heart to heart" talk with yourself.
However, if you truly plan to move forward in your life toward whatever goals and dreams you have for yourself, you first and foremost MUST be honest with yourself at all times. Stop making excuses and, as part of that process, lying to yourself.
Be honest with yourself. Be real. Stop hiding. Stop making excuses and be brutally honest.
That's the only way.
And it begins NOW.
The next article will tie into this one and I also encourage you to access the podcast and video that goes along with today's topic. All of the links can be found below.
Until next time, look yourself in the mirror and have that BRUTALLY HONEST conversation with yourself and, whatever you do, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Friday, January 24, 2020
How Can I Help You?
I'm 100% serious when I ask the question, "How can I help you?" Sometimes we are afraid to ask such a question because we may be afraid that someone will take us up on that offer. In connection with this, if you haven't read the last article by now, be sure to do so because it "ties in" to what we are discussing in today's article.
As I've stated before, I don't know what you do or don't believe, but I'm going to share a verse from the Bible with you and, honestly, this verse applies regardless of what you do or don't believe. Hebrews 10:24 reads, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works..."
Let's take a closer look at the wording in this verse and see how it applies to us today again, regardless of what you do or don't believe. "And let us consider one another..." Bottom line - GET YOUR FOCUS OFF OF YOURSELF AND CONSIDER OTHERS. This, alone, would greatly improve every relationship that exists in our world today! But, there's more in that this verse gives a REASON to do so: "...in order to stir up love and good works..."
Usually when we hear the phrase "stir up" we may have a different thought than what is expressed here. I know for myself, when I think of someone "stirring things up" it is usually with a negative connotation. You know what I mean, right? There are some people that just like to "stir up" trouble. But this is different! In this verse, we are encouraged and challenged to think about others and how we might be able to "stir up love and good works". WOW!
Does our world not need to hear this message today?
In a marriage relationship, if BOTH were focused on trying to figure out ways to "stir up" love and good works, or good things for them, what would that relationship be like? What about the workplace?
I'm sure you have heard this quote from John F. Kennedy many times before. If not, take a moment and notice what he said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
This is quite a different attitude than the one we see many people feel about our country today, is it not?
When we begin to ask (and mean it) the question, "How can I help you?" we will begin to see all of our relationships improve. Our marriages, our families, our work relationships, our communities, our nation and our world.
Yes, it really IS that simple but, at the same time, it really IS that difficult. Why so difficult? We tend to be focused on ourselves and what WE want and what is good for ME!
Break the mold and step out considering others and see what begins to happen.
And, again, I do mean it when I ask, "How can I help YOU?" Connect with me and let me know. And, as you do so, always be sure to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Mike
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