Mike
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"Your most important education takes place on the campus of your mind" This blog goes hand in hand with my podcasts to aid you in the process of keeping your mind FOCUSED on the POSITIVE that is all around us!
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During my podcasts you will hear me talk about "Magical Monday", "Turn-around Tuesday" and "Wide-Open Wednesday" and about the fact that, what happens in your life and to your life is up to you. This makes it magical and wide-open because YOU can turn it around!
Now, see, if you have a hard time believing those things then, trying to incorporate them into your life is kind of like getting behind the wheel of a car that has an empty gas tank. You won't get anywhere.
Yes, I know (based on yesterday's podcast and blog) that I emphasize that only YOU can make this happen. In other words, even with a FULL gas tank YOU still have to put the key in the ignition, turn it on, put it in gear and steer it down the road.
But, again, if the tank is empty - you're going no where.
The truth is, as I recorded the podcast for today last night - and still even today - I feel as if my tank is empty! Yeah, it happens to me, too.
Here are a couple of reasons - and things you can check out for yourself as well:
1. My tank is empty because I've not been putting the "fuel" in the tank! Well, duh! But it happens very easily when I (or you) don't "feed ourselves" by reading, etc. those positive materials that keep our mindset where it needs to be. I realized that lately I have not been reading the materials that I usually read that keep me going. So, again, it is up to ME in this area to do what is needed and to make sure I am putting "fuel" in my tank!
2. My tank is empty because I need feedback, input, etc. from YOU! Now, although it is up to ME, I still need others - just as you do. This is the idea behind the "Mastermind Group" that Napoleon Hill talks about in his classic, "Think & Grow Rich" (get it for free - just pay S/H @ http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com ). The strength and charge we get from sharing thoughts and ideas with like-minded individuals. On this part, I also can compare this to dipping water out of a well to share with others without ever making sure that I take some of the water for myself. Sooner or later, I've got to be refreshed as well.
So, bottom line - part of this "empty" feeling is due to what I have failed to do in my own life and part of it is because I need feedback from YOU! And, that, for the most part, I have failed to receive from you, friend.
Please know that I'm not "whining", I'm simply talking and sharing from my heart and also trying to help you understand how important it is to not only RECEIVE but to also GIVE BACK.
Yes, I need it too!
If you would, if you are "out there" and reading this and/or listening to my blog - please leave a comment here on this blog. I'd appreciate it and it may also spur someone else on to do the same.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I'll survive. I'll thrive. But, right now....I need to refuel.
Thanks, friend.
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
This is a basic truth that I've been sharing with you for quite some time now. For months (over a year now) I have talking about the fact that TODAY is all we have and that when that 24 hour period that we call "tomorrow" arrives it, too, will be called TODAY!
So, in reality, there really are no tomorrows...only TODAY!
I appreciate those of you that follow my blog and/or my daily podcast that I've been doing since March of 2009. Some of you were connected to me on a different site that I began sharing my thoughts through articles on and commenting in forums. Some of you have discovered me by other means.
I'm sure, at times, many of you have thought and wondered, "Who IS this guy?" and "Does he REALLY know what he is talking about?".
That's o.k. I'd be asking the same thing!
But here's the thing... what I know about myself and what you know about me are likely two different things. You see, I KNOW that I know what I'm talking about and I KNOW that the thoughts and ideas that I share with you have real benefit and are "solid" in the area of personal development.
And if YOU take the time to read and/or listen to others in this field - especially those "big name" people out there (Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, John C. Maxwell, etc.) you will discover that, indeed, I DO know what I'm talking about and their writings and audios will back that up!
I don't say this to brag, I promise you that! I simply enjoy the validation I receive when I read things from some of these giants in this area that say the same thing that I've been saying. You see, for the most part, we're all saying the same thing.
Why? Because we are all learning and growing as well as testing and experiencing in our own lives the truths of these foundational principles. Basic principles of change and growth!
I could just about promise you that every one of the "greats" in this field have read Napoleon Hills book, "Think & Grow Rich". (By the way you can get a free copy - just pay s/h - by going to the products tab on my website - www.FutureYouUniversity.com) These men will tell you about the IMPACT that this book had on their lives and the way that they thought and allowed their thoughts to impact their lives!
This was brought to my attention again recently as I began to read the book, "The Slight Edge" by Jeff Olson.
I've not gotten very far into the book yet, but right off I discovered him saying the same thing that I've been saying to you for over a year now - TODAY MATTERS! Using different words Mr. Olson said the exact same thing as I have been saying about the fact that TODAY is all we have and that, in reality, there is no such thing as "tomorrow".
Validation. Yeah, it helps me when I read this stuff and receive this validation but I also hope that it helps you as you read and/or listen to my thoughts. This old boy DOES have some idea what he's talking about after all!
One final thought to share with you on this first of four segments on "TODAY Matters!"... the step or steps you take TODAY will determine the path of your journey.
Perhaps you want to go a certain way to reach a goal that you have set for yourself. If, TODAY, you begin to step OFF of the path that you have "mapped out" for yourself to reach that goal, then TODAY you have begun a journey on a different path!
It's not too late! If TODAY you realize that you have gotten "off course" then you can also redirect your steps TODAY and begin to make progress toward your original path.
TODAY.
What you do with it DOES matter!
And, as always, as you go along the journey, remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
11. Find a POSITIVE Support Group!
We're just about to the end of our list of "Twelve Do's and Don'ts for a Positive Life" and I hope you have enjoyed my discussions on these topics along the way.
I have mentioned several times how the things that I share with you are some of the same things that you will find shared by any number of people in the field of personal development. Oh yes, they may say them in different ways and use charts and graphs, etc....but they are basically the same.
Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
It's neither, in my opinion. It's just proof that there are some BASICS that we must all follow in order to live a positive life!
I'm always amazed when I read a book or article or hear a speaker talk on these types of subjects how they say some of the same things I've been saying! Wow! They have heard my idea and use it too! ---- Hey, hang on a second - I'm kidding here, o.k.?
If I wanted to be egotistical I could think that. But it's just not true. What I have discovered is this: as I have listened and read over the years I have absorbed - not copied - some of the basic principles that were shared. I have absorbed them and have put them into practice (ACTION) in my own life and have found them to be true!
And, yes, just like anyone else, I use my own way of speaking and communicating to share these things with you. I use my own life experiences to help make them "come alive" for you as I share them with you.
Why am I saying all of this at the start of today's article? Because, again, I don't want you to get lost on the SIMPLICITY of so many of these things. Often, the simple things are the HARDEST things to accomplish!
One of the reasons is that, because we perceive it to be simple, we don't put the effort into it compared to what we might do if we thought it were difficult.
Also, bottom line - "simple" doesn't mean "easy".
For example... you want to be in better health and live longer? If you smoke - STOP SMOKING! Pretty simple, huh? It's true, isn't it? An easy "one step" solution, right?
Point made.
Take all of what I just said and apply it to today's topic: "Find a POSITIVE Support Group!".
"Ah, that's not necessary! I'm doing alright and don't really need this."
Again, don't let the simplicity fool you.
Go back and read, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill and read the chapter on the Master Mind group. You see, again, LONG BEFORE I have ever suggested such, other great minds said it first! (Reminder: You can get a FREE copy of this great book at my website: http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com by clicking on the "products" tab and clicking on the banner. You do pay s/h - very small amount for a great book!)
Think even about this series of discussions by themselves. I told you that these came off of a pamphlet or brochure that I've had for over 30 years. So, whoever put these things down in print thought the same thing!
Likely the BEST way to do this would be to connect with a group of people locally so that you can all get together physically. There is just something powerful about the "energy" that can exist in a room when like-minded people are gathered together for a common good!
However, with today's technology it is possible to form such a group with people from all over the world!
I am even organizing such a group - yes, with a very specific topic/purpose in mind to start - beginning in March 2010. I am offering a FREE 8-week teleconference course on "Setting and Reaching Goals" - are you going to be a part of it?
Someone might say, "You're using this discussion to get people to come to your course?" - ABSOLUTELY! And I make no apologies for doing so.
It's FREE - no cost to you, so why SHOULDN'T I do all I can to encourage you to be a part of this? And, no, I won't spring some surprise cost on you. There won't be any hidden charges. You won't get a "skeleton course" and then be told that if you want more, pay a certain amount of money for a "full course".
Sorry, that's just not me. I see that WAY too much and I just won't do that and don't ever plan to do that.
Who knows - perhaps through this course you may find people fairly close to you (again, with technology, does it really matter how close they are to you geographically?) to start another support group.
KEY QUESTION: If you don't take advantage of such a FREE opportunity - what are you doing? Seriously, if you are unwilling to take advantage of something like this - please stop whining and complaining.
This if for those that are WANTING to move on in their lives toward their goals and dreams. Hey, I might learn something from you!
Go the the website (see address link earlier in the article) and click on the banner at the top of the home page. Register for the course and I will be sending you an e-mail with the specifics: starting date, night of the week, time, call in number, etc.
This is for YOU!
A couple of more things about this course - it's only open to the first 20 that sign up. However, if only 5 people take advantage of it, we'll go with the five! I'd rather have five that are ready to go for it than have 100 and 95 of them not really do much with the idea.
Also, it's scheduled for 8 weeks. If, at the end of the course, everyone wants to continue meeting and discussing different topics - I'm in for that too.
Anyway, whatever you do - FIND A POSITIVE SUPPORT GROUP and commit to it and those in the group.
Remember, TOGETHER we WILL make progress on our journey each and every day!
And, as we do, we want to remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
I wanted to highlight my thoughts along with the thoughts shared in the interview because I felt that what Brian shared was so powerful for each of us to consider! I really want to encourage ALL OF YOU to take a close look at these words and to, perhaps, listen again and again to what Brian shares in this interview. And, friend, if his "before" mindset describes you - then KNOW, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you, too, can make changes in your life just as Brian did!
I am here to help in any way that I can - don't ever hesitate to contact me at mike@futureyouuniversity.com
Don't forget to listen to the special Saturday podcast with Brian as he shares information about the "work from home opportunity" that he is now involved in and I want to thank Brian, once again, for sharing his thoughts and this information with all of us.
Hey, always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
If you are at all like me, once I finished college I wanted to STOP studying and - how silly of me - stop learning! It was a sign of immaturity and, I believe, temporary insanity to be thinking such a thing!
However, it didn't take long for me to understand and realize that, even if that were my true wish, it just wasn't going to come true! One WILL always be continuing to learn whether they want to or not!
So, here's the thing - we need to make this a "WANT TO" situation in our lives. And, yes, at the same time, it IS a "HAVE TO".... if we plan to continue to move toward our goals and dreams!
Can I point something out right up front? I believe there is a BIG difference between "reading" and "studying". Yes, it is true that you cannot study without reading but it IS possible to read without studying.
So, my focus for this blog today is very similar to what I said about "practice" a few days ago when I worded it as, "Practice With Purpose!". The same is true with this, "Read With Purpose!".
What is it that you hope to achieve as you read? Now, I know that there are times that we read stories just for pure enjoyment and escape and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. However, if that is ALL that we read -- aren't we kind of sticking our heads in the sand and not living in the real world?
As with everything, we must look at balance and, again, PURPOSE.
There are times that we read with PURPOSE (not the fictional story times) and we need to make sure that we follow through with that purpose.
FOLLOW THROUGH
Why emphasize that word? Well, first of all, follow me through this line of thinking (pretty snazzy there, huh?).
IF we read with purpose (and, by the way, everything we do should have PURPOSE in our lives) then we won't just read to say that we accomplished that task for the day. We will READ in such a way that will cross over into the area of STUDY. And, if we STUDY with PURPOSE we will also LEARN!
Read --> Study --> Learn
I remember in High School as well as college how I studied with one thing in mind. Try to pass the test. That was it! That was my goal and my purpose! That is why, many times, I would stay up all night cramming at the last minute hoping I'd retain just enough to pass the test. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it did not.
But I can tell you, without a doubt, one thing that DID NOT happen in those situations. I did not LEARN!
Learning takes place longer than the immediate need. Learning implants itself in our minds so that it is ready to be brought back out of that memory file to be used again when needed!
What's that old saying? "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me."
What does that mean? It means simply this - If I did not LEARN from the first situation then SHAME ON ME!
So, learning takes place when we embed and incorporate what we have read and studied into our minds and our lives! This is what happens when we READ and STUDY with a purpose!
A few suggestions:
- Keep on reading this blog along with others that encourage and inspire you
- If you haven't done so, go to my website (http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com) and request the FREE report that you will find there. It's not long but, again, don't let the simplicity fool you. (I will make the podcasts that I did based on that report available to you very soon).
- Go to the "products" tab on that same website and order your FREE copy (pay s/h) of "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill. Wow, what a great book and, indeed, this is one to be read AND studied!
- If you have some favorite e-books that you have yet to print out, DO IT! Having the material in front of you so that you can highlight, underline and make notes improves the study process and, thus, the learning process.
- Go to Success.com (if you don't subscribe to the magazine) and look over all of the FREE information that you find there. When you find an article that you really like, PRINT IT OUT for the same reason I just mentioned in the previous paragraph.
- Go to your local library and check out all of the wonderful books in the field of personal development! Don't write in the book BUT take a notepad along with you so that you can jot down notes from those books! Keep all of these types of notes in one notebook so that all of these wonderful thoughts and ideas can be easily located!
If you are not in the habit of reading, WORK ON IT and FORM THAT HABIT.
I used a quote on today's podcast from the late Charlie "Tremendous" Jones in which he said, "You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for two things, the people you meet and the books you read."
Wow. Think about that and commit yourself to do the following each and every day: Read, Study and Learn!
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
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
