Showing posts with label your why. Show all posts
Showing posts with label your why. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

SEE IT! WANT IT! GET IT!


 Now, for some people, the title of this particular article may "rub them the wrong way" in that they think it sounds "greedy" and unlike something I should be promoting.
 
Here's a couple of things I suggest before you settle on that thought and opinion. First of all, be sure to read all of this article and, secondly, watch the video and/or listen to the podcast version of this topic (links below for both). Then decide if you still think that same way.
 
You shouldn't and I don't think you will.
 
This is a SIMPLE (to say and agree with) 3-step process for anyone that wants to move ahead in their life and for their future in a positive and better way. 
 
Whatever your "goal" (resolution??) is for your life, you must SEE IT first and foremost. You have to be able to see YOURSELF as part of that goal vision! If you can't see yourself living that life that you desire or if you feel that you don't deserve a better life then, friend, you NEVER will be able to move forward and actually obtain that better and brighter future.  
 
So, you "see" it (whatever "it" is). Do you want it? How bad do you want it? How strong is your desire, your "why" behind that want and desire? Do you HAVE TO HAVE IT? Are you willing to "pay the cost" in whatever way is necessary? "Whoa, Mike, slow down there buddy! I want everything to get better as long as I don't have to change anything!" Yeah, we covered that silly (and worthless) thought a few articles ago. Go back and read it if you haven't done so already.  
 
Then, if you DO want it and you feel that you MUST have it in order to finally live the life you have dreamed about, then you must GO GET IT!  You've heard it and you know it's true...TALK IS CHEAP!
DESIRE without ACTION is worthless! 
 
By the way, if you still feel that this all sounds greedy (it's not), I'd like to direct you to what the Apostle Paul says in the New Testament in the book of Philippians, chapter 3 and verses 12-14. Read the previous verses for context and then pay close attention to what he says in verse 14..."I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
 
Paul says that he PRESSED ON for the GOAL to win the PRIZE...
 
He saw the goal...the PRIZE of Heaven that he WANTED so badly that he was ready and willing to do whatever he needed to do so that he could "obtain" or have it. As a matter of fact, in the last half of verse 13 he states what he was doing in order to keep his eyes focused on "the prize". Pay attention to what he says here:  "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..."
 
This is not some "prosperity preaching". Nope! It is a BIBLICAL EXAMPLE given on how to ACHIEVE that for which you seek. 
 
So, no, it's not a "greedy grab" type of life. Do some people use that idea and misuse it for their own greedy gain? ABSOLUTELY! But not you! Not us!
 
Listen to the podcast and/or watch the video...I got fired up on this one! I'm here to help YOU finally move forward past all of failed plans from your past and all of the useless "New Year's Resolutions" that you, along with so many others, have "declared" only to put it to the side in just a few, short weeks. 
 
Isn't it time? JOIN MY COMMUNITY if you are ready to start taking some ACTION and not just continue to READ about these thoughts and ideas or listen to them! 
 
Will you be one of the "action takers" that step up and say, "I'm ready! LET'S DO THIS!" ?  (and yes, it's free to sign up and join).
 
Once again,  the ball is in your court - it's your CHOICE
 
As always..."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
 
Mike

Monday, November 8, 2021

You Found "THE" Door...WHAT NOW?

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!
Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information.

 As always, be sure to read the previous articles in this series as well as listening to the podcasts that go along with this topic. As is pointed out above, be sure to notice that the iTunes and RSS feed have been updated in the links at the end of this article.

In today's article, I conclude this series that with "part 2" of the "final step" in the "Asking, Seeking, Knocking" formula that comes from Matthew 7: 7-8.

In the last article I discussed about WHY you have decided to "knock" on THAT particular door after the "seeking" part of this process. Again, be sure to go back and read it...it's very important to consider. I also left you with the following scriptures to think about leading into today's article about what you do once that "door" has been "opened" and you have discovered the answer for which you have sought.

 This is found in Matthew 13: 44-46...

 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price 
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
 
Now that you have found what you say you were looking for - that "thing" for which you have intently searched - what will you do now?


 In the scriptures that I shared with you above, you see that - in BOTH situations - when the person that was doing the SEEKING/SEARCHING found that for which they searched (vs. 44 does not indicate an actual "search" but does indicate one that realized the value of what was found) they acted according to the VALUE that they perceived that "thing for which they searched" held. In BOTH of these situations, they sold ALL THAT THEY HAD so that they could buy that "treasure"! WOW!

We have already discovered TWO WAYS for you (or anyone paying attention to what you are doing or saying) to KNOW how truly valuable that "treasure" is for which you seek. You see, SAYING it or TALKING about it is one thing but the ACTION that follows actually speaks the TRUTH about the matter!

1. How intently your actually SEEK that for which you SAY you desire. Again, your ACTIONS will speak much louder than your WORDS

2. What you actually do once you have "found" that "treasure" for which you seek. What ACTION will you take now that you have found it? What VALUE do you place on that "treasure"?

There are times that people SAY that they want or desire something only - once they have discovered the "cost" - to later decide that they really DIDN'T want it. 

But, for those that have shown, from the beginning of their "seeking", that their "WHY" is, indeed, of great importance to them they also demonstrate the same once they have found their "treasure"! They will not give a second thought to whatever "cost" may be attached to that "treasure" because THIS is THE THING for which they have been searching. They have not ever given up or stopped seeking! They KEPT ON SEEKING even when others may have told them to give up.

Which describes YOU and that "thing" for which you say you are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to achieve or obtain? Again, your ACTIONS will answer that question regardless of what you may say with your words. 

I appreciate you taking the time to read this blog article. I began these back in 2009 and, though I've had some set-backs from time to time, I still continue to try to encourage those who read them as well as those that listen to my podcasts.

Be sure to stop by my Facebook page and leave your comments about this article or, better yet, this series that I conclude with this entry. I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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


Mike


Friday, November 5, 2021

Your Decision to KNOCK

Notice that the RSS Feed AND the iTunes podcast links have changed (11.1.21)!
Click on the links at the bottom of the blog to access the new information. 
 
Alright, now that we have THAT out of the way, let's get on with today's topic - the "final step" in the "Asking, Seeking, Knocking" formula that comes from Matthew 7: 7-8.
 
Be sure to go back and read the previous blog articles on this series and, FOR SURE, go and listen to the podcasts (notice the "special announcement" above about the links below) to get fully caught up on this series. Why is this important? Because this series (as in ALL series that I do) goes through a specific process...a specific "order of events" that will benefit you most when done in that order. 
 
I've already covered the "Asking" and "Seeking" part of this process and now we get to the point of actually "knocking on the door" but, first, a main question to consider...
 
WHAT is it that has led you to THIS particular "door"? Another way to word it would be, WHY have you decided to knock on THIS "door"?
 
  
 
In your process of SEEKING, what is it that has led you to this discovery...this "door"? You need to really examine yourself and do your best to discover the answer to these questions so that you can be confident that YOU have not directed this search to find only what YOU were willing to "see" and "find". 
 
You may not really KNOW the answer to those questions and, to some extent, that is o.k. BUT you need to try to make sure that you haven't followed only what YOU wanted to follow. You need to make sure that you did not ignore or willingly pass up "signs" or "opportunities" that may have led you a different way in your search because YOU decided that you liked the way something else "looked" or "felt" better. HOW HONEST HAVE YOU BEEN IN YOUR SEEKING?
 
Sometimes you just have to have FAITH! Notice the definition of faith that is given in the Bible in the book of Hebrews, chapter 1, verse 1: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NKJV) WOW! I love this definition of FAITH because it clearly states that there is SUBSTANCE and EVIDENCE and that it is NOT just "wishful thinking"!
 
It is the "substance of things hoped for". THIS is your WHY and this is your DESIRE for that thing for which you have been SEEKING! There is SUBSTANCE there because this DESIRE has been so great - your WHY has been so strong - that it has caused you to MOVE and TAKE ACTION! You have decided that you MUST find this for which you have such a desire and you will do whatever it takes, go wherever you must go in order to find "it"! 
 
FAITH is also the "evidence of things not seen". Listen friend, the fact that you BELIEVE that your answer lies behind that door on which you have decided to knock is all based on - even though you have to have FAITH about what is behind that "door" - EVIDENCE that has led you to believe that THIS is THE door that leads to your answer! You have NO IDEA what actually is behind that "door" but...based on your "evidence"...you have FAITH (believe) that, indeed, this is where you answer can be found! 
 
Now then, as a way to prepare for our next - and concluding - article in this series, I want to point you to another section of scripture in which Jesus speaks in a couple of parables. This is found in Matthew 13: 44-46...
 The Parable of the Hidden Treasure 
44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price 
45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it."
 
Use these verses to prepare for the next article as I conclude by asking WHAT IF the door opens and you DO find "the answer" for which you have been seeking.
 
WHAT THEN? WHAT WILL YOU DO?  
 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

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


Mike


Sunday, October 24, 2021

SEEKING (Asking - Seeking - Knocking)

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened."    (Matthew 7: 7-8) NKJV

 If you've not done so, please take a few minutes and read the previous two articles on "WHY Do You Ask, Seek, Knock?" and then on the first part on "ASKING". They will get you caught up on this discussion that, regardless of what you do or don't believe, STILL have application in your life for today. 

As a quick preview, the strength of your "why" will greatly determine the strength of your search, or your "SEEKING". If, whatever it is that you decided to "ASK" for/about is not that big of a deal to you then, guess what? The effort that you put into searching and/or SEEKING for that will also not be that big of a deal and, as a result, nothing will happen. You can't just ASK and wait for the answer to fall into your lap!

Remember, "Opportunity Does NOT Always Knock!"

One of the main things that I discuss in the podcast version of this particular article is that, when you begin to actually take action and search and/or seek, YOU CANNOT SEEK WITH PREDETERMINED IDEAS OF WHAT THE ANSWER WILL BE FOR WHICH YOU SEEK.

You can't put "guidelines" or "parameters" on that search. If you do, you are not truly SEEKING. You are simply limiting yourself to hopefully finding something that will already fit what you have decided that you actually need at this point.  

I share in the podcast (see links for iTunes as well as the RSS feed below) a TRUE STORY from my own life where I was "asking" and "seeking" a new church to work with/for a number of years back but, at the same time, I had put some specific parameters on where I was willing to look. And, for me at that time in my life, I had actually put the stipulation on my search of, "O.k. God, please lead me to my next location to work in youth ministry BUT...there needs to be a lake nearby!". I literally would get out a map and see if there was a lake nearby if I got a call from a church that wanted to interview me for the job. Be sure to listen to the podcast to find out how this turned out. Hint: As long as I kept that closed-minded approach to my "search" (it wasn't really a true search, was it?) things did not turn out as I had hoped.

Remember what I said earlier about the strength of your "WHY" determining the strength of your search or SEEKING. Another way to word that would be, how VALUABLE is that for which you seek? Take a look at another scripture where Jesus discusses such thoughts...

44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13: 44-46)

So, to sum this all up, IF YOU TRULY SEEK TO FIND "THE ANSWER"...  

1. Do not put parameters or limitations for that which you seek 

2. Remove the "blinders" that would keep you from truly seeing that "open door" that might appear

In the next podcast and article we will talk about "KNOCKING" in the process of "ASKING, SEEKING, KNOCKING". Think about this between now and then: If you decide to "knock" on a particular "door", WHY HAVE YOU DECIDED THAT YOU NEED TO KNOCK ON THAT PARTICULAR DOOR?

I'd love to get your feedback about this series and, maybe even, this particular article. Yes, you can do so by leaving a comment here but, would you do me a favor and go over to my Facebook page to do so? I'd really appreciate that! 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, 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




Thursday, November 7, 2019

Get Off the Fence!


If you are going to make the decision to start taking ACTION in order to turn your dreams into REALITY and not just "talk", then it will be imperative for you to "get off the fence".

I love the way that Gloria Mayfield Banks described going from the "want to lane" to the "GOT TO lane". The strength of your purpose or your "why" will determine if you actually make that move from one "lane" to the other.

"Sitting on a fence" indicates a person that cannot decide which way that they want to go. They are not on one side or the other but, rather, they are in the middle - on the fence - making no decision either way.

WHAT A MISERABLE WAY TO LIVE! 

Yes, stepping off of that "fence" into a future of some unknowns can be scary! Yes, there are a lot of "what if's" that can - and will - come to mind as you consider doing so. Yes, there will be challenges and there WILL be roadblocks and obstacles.

But, listen, if you're not going to move forward then go ahead and get off of the fence and go back and retreat into the comfort zone. How has that worked out for you?

If your "why" and your purpose is big enough and strong enough, you will NEVER find happiness going back. You will only find and feel fulfillment by moving FORWARD

For you, there is only ONE WAY and that way is forward, into your positive future. 

Will there be changes in and for your life? ABSOLUTELY! 

Join me in the next article as we discuss the fact that CHANGE is an opportunity to grow 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

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube     Future You Travel

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

What Gets YOU Pumped? (Come Alive and GO DO IT!)


So, friend, what gets YOU "pumped"? What makes YOU "come alive"? Again, if you're not sure, take a few minutes - maybe even a few hours - and write it out. Brainstorm any and all ideas that really tend to get you "excited" and see what you come up with - WITHOUT the doubt and questioning on whether or not you can actually do that thing.

Here's a key question to ask that you likely have heard before: If money were no object, what is it that you would want to be doing? 

You see, we - the world - need to have more people doing just that and not just "going through life" out of habit. We need a world full of people that have COME ALIVE to their passion and their purpose and that are using their passion and purpose to impact the lives of those around them in a POWERFUL and POSITIVE way.

Whatever it is may not turn into some global activity BUT, at the same time, understand the fact that IF YOU BEGIN TO LIVE YOUR LIFE IN THIS WAY, you WILL have an impact on the people around you and it WILL spread and touch the lives of others.

BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE! Don't wait until it looks as if you will have a huge following or a huge program that you are ready to launch. START TODAY and BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE

Begin with YOUR mindset and YOUR attitude. Begin with how YOU will do all that you can to maintain a positive mindset and, in turn, a positive influence on those around you. Perhaps beginning with your family or room mate and then on to to your co-workers.

KNOW THIS: You WILL come into contact with resistance and rejection. Yes, even when you are simply trying to be POSITIVE, there will be those that will do all that they can to stop you in your tracks. That's just the way it is, friend. But, do NOT let that stop you from your mission - your passion and your purpose - to have a POSITIVE impact on YOUR world, beginning where you are TODAY, right now.


So, yeah, what gets you pumped? GO DO IT!  Be sure to listen to the podcast and also to watch the video on this same topic (links found below) and also join me tomorrow as we discuss the importance to "You Be You - Everyone Else is Taken".

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     Future You Travel

Friday, March 13, 2015

Ride Rutless (Conclusion)


I also thought about calling this concluding article, "From 'Rut-Ro!' to 'Rut NO!' " Take a moment to listen to the podcast (see links at bottom of article) and you'll find that I was having a little fun with possible titles. 

I'm going to try to keep this article short and really encourage you to do just what I suggested: LISTEN TO THE PODCAST!

Here's the main point of this concluding article: The best way to avoid getting into a rut in ANY area of your life is to continue to ask the following question:
WHY are you doing what it is that you are doing?
WHY are you working at the job that you have?
WHY are you with the person that you are with "romantically"?
WHY do you spend the time doing the things that you do?
WHY do you spend the time doing the thing(s) that you do that takes up the MOST of your time?
WHY - WHY - WHY

The moment that you stop asking yourself this all-important question, you have begun the path to a rut OR you are already in a rut!

Sometimes these questions are hard to answer - especially if you have already gotten into a rut in any or all of these areas in your life...BUT THEY MUST BE ANSWERED if you wish to avoid the rut.

Remember, a rut is "EASY" because a rut does all of the work for you. You don't have to think, you don't have to make any choices and you don't have to make any decisions at all. You just stay in the rut and go with the rut and allow the rut to take you where the rut will.

Again, that's easy.

But, you know what? Life was not intended to always be EASY.

When you are faced with a tough choice, be thankful because it is a part of life that reminds you that you have a CHOICE and a DECISION about that choice! (A great sign that you are not in a rut).

Ask yourself this question as often as you can - even constantly in order to keep your focus on WHY you do what you do.

Don't settle for EASY...strive to LIVE LIFE!

And, by the way, LISTEN TO THE PODCAST! :)

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, January 16, 2015

The Time is NOW! (Part 3 - Conclusion)


Before we get started, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and red the 1st two installments of this series as well as listening to them via the podcast (see links below). I also want to encourage you to watch the videos that I recorded on this series as well. (You can find the videos HERE).
 
In this final article of the series I want to share with you THREE specific steps that you need to consider in order to "get back on track" and "re-ignite that spark" of your goals and dreams.  Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of being caught up on the 1st two segments of this series.

So, let's get to it! Here are my thoughts and suggestions on how you can "kick-start" that thing in your life and get moving again toward your goals and dreams. Here we go...

1. Re-evaluate, Re-discover and Re-examine your WHY 
     You may discover that the "why" that you once used as your "fuel" to get you going is not as important as it once was. It is also possible that you have lost sight of how important that "why" was - and still is - to you in and for your life. Either way, you need to spend some time and RE-EVALUATE that "why" and see how important it is to you now. You should also RE-DISCOVER your "why"...maybe you'll get the feeling back that you once had about it and it may spur you on to get moving again! Overall, you just need to RE-EXAMINE your "why" so that you can decide if it's even a worthy "why" for you at all.
     You may find that your "why" has changed or NEEDS to change! The bottom line on this point is that you need a STRONG REASON to move you past the inactivity that you have experienced.


2. Take a look at your "reasons" (excuses) as to why you have not progressed as you had planned. 
      I have mentioned before how it is easy to get "comfortable" with our excuses...we can find that it is easy to "soothe" the disappointment (and even disgust) at our lack of progress by using these excuses and calling them "reasons". Oh, we'll even share these with anyone and everyone that will listen - they need to know that it's not US...it's not OUR fault!
     Don't be fooled. Most "reasons" are excuses in disguise.
    While this process of calling excuses "reasons" may make us comfortable, it is important to remember that progress is NOT comfortable! If you're comfortable, you're not being BOLD enough or BRAVE  enough! If you're comfortable, you're not "stretching" and challenging yourself!
     Never forget that, in order to make REAL progress in your life, you MUST step outside of your "comfort zone". Will you?


3. WHAT NOW? 
     If you follow and implement these first two steps then you will come to the point of needing to make a decision. If you are honest and either "re-discover" your original "why" or find that you need a new, bigger and more important "why" and you have decided to stop making excuses once and for all, then YOU MUST MAKE A DECISION!
    You have a choice to make and the choice is YOURS..what will you do?
    Really be careful with those excuses...they have a way of talking yourself out of making the kind of BOLD MOVE that, many times, is absolutely necessary. Some such excuses may be that you don't have the training needed, the education needed or the money needed to move forward.
     Maybe you don't have everything that you need to reach your "ultimate" end goal but, friend, the key is to GET STARTED NOW where you are and with what you have.

 
These steps may seem too simple but, again, don't miss the fact that the PROFOUND can often be FOUND in the SIMPLE. Too, don't let the "simplicity" fool you. These three things are much harder to put into action than you may think.

The key question is this: HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?

Your answer to that question will let you know if, indeed, "THE TIME IS NOW!"

Let me hear from you - we're in this together and I'd love to get your feedback and your stories about this journey in your own life.

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