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What are YOU waiting for? PROCRASTINATION is a KILLER OF DREAMS and it may very well be what is holding you back from getting signed up for this course.

All excuses have been removed, have they not?

Oh sure, you can use the one about TIME... but I can't remove that one for you.

But, again, it is absolutely FREE and being offered TO you and FOR you.

Go to the website: http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and register by clicking on the banner promoting the box and I will be getting the pertinant information to you.

PURPOSE

PURPOSE: –noun
* the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.
* an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

–verb
* to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.
* to intend; design.
* to resolve (to do something)

The above definitions come from dictionary.com . Take a good look at the definitions and think about what that means for you and your life as we discuss the question:

"WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?"

What is the reason for your existence? What is the reason for you being made/born? I'm sure these are questions that you have contemplated many times before and you may have yet to come up with a satisfactory answer for yourself!

I CAN answer one thing about this for you with 100% certainty! Now, this may sound a big presumptuous - but I KNOW I can and I KNOW I can do so with 100% accuracy! Are you ready?

I can tell you with 100% accuracy what your purpose is NOT! It is NOT to just "take up space" while you are here. That, my friend, is one thing I am sure of!

Yes, you may have been told this at some point during your life or even perhaps all of your life. And, chances are, if this is the case that you STILL struggle with the concept that you are here for MORE than just "taking up space".

Yes, I know that you may have been told, "All you're good for is taking up space!" or some variation of that - and you may have began to believe it after a while and you may STILL believe it to some extent even today.

LISTEN TO ME - You are here for a REASON and there is a PURPOSE for your existence! This is also something that I can state with 100% certainty!

And, hopefully, over the next few days I can help you at least begin to understand what your purpose just might be in this life. But, be assured - YOUR LIFE DOES HAVE PURPOSE!

Here are a few quotes I shared on today's podcast (from http://www.wisdomquotes.com/):

"First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." (Epictetus)
"Life is what you make of it. Always has been, always will be." (Grandma Moses)

I also shared a listed quote that comes from Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 in the Bible. This is the section of Scripture that the group, The Byrds, used in the most popular version of this song ("Turn, Turn, Turn) when it was released on October 1, 1965.

The main focus of these verses? There is a REASON (and a time) for EVERYTHING! This includes YOU, my friend!

I really don't believe in accidents. I believe that everything happens for a REASON! I gave the example on the podcast about how our youngest son, Jordan (now 19 at this writing) was not "planned". This is often referred to as an "accident". This happened at a very difficult time in our lives when I was out of work and we had very little money. HOWEVER, I do believe that his birth was for a PURPOSE and not by accident! Listen to the podcast to hear more on this story - I think you'll enjoy it.

HERE'S THE POINT FOR TODAY:

YOU are here for a REASON! Your life has PURPOSE!

Know that! Believe that! Absorb that as a FACT and allow your subconscious mind to accept it as TRUTH so that it can then reaffirm that back to you as such.

Tomorrow we will try to look at what your purpose IS in life - in a general way. Though general (applies to us all) it may very well help you to become more specific in realizing your purpose in life.

Until then...

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

Mike

Followers COUNT!

Followers COUNT!

We've talked about leaders already. And, by doing so I know that there are some that are thinking that they don't belong in the discussion. Why? "Because I'm a follower, not a leader. I have no desire to be a leader or to be out front!"

That's o.k. and we'll get to you in a moment. But first I want to address the phrase that I used yesterday to launch this discussion: "LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

We have already talked about leaders and we are about to discuss the follower...but for a moment, let's address the group that simply needs to "get out of the way!".

Again, as I mentioned on the podcast for this discussion, some may think that this phrase is harsh - especially telling ANYONE that they need to move out of the way. That's o.k. too. However, when we come to realize that this process of staying focused with a positive mindset in order for us to move toward our goals and dreams (and help others along the way) is a BATTLE against the negative in our world then you may begin to understand that, sometimes, the approach MUST be "harsh" and tough.

Seriously consider this with me for a moment if you would.

Some in our world LEAD. Some in our world FOLLOW. Now, if you're not willing to do one or the other, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

If you are not willing to lead OR follow then you are not willing to do anything. You are unwilling to MOVE in any direction. You are simply staying put and, to be blunt again, getting in the way!

Here's what I have noticed about this group of people that are unwilling to move in ANY direction... they are not satisfied to do this by themselves. That's right. It's not enough for them that THEY don't want to move but they feel the need to recruit others to join them in their "dead weight" mentality.

They are a great discouragement to ANY leader. Why? Because they will not follow. No matter what is done to try to encourage them to follow or even HELP them to follow - they will not!

They are also a great discouragement to other followers. Why? Because they will not follow. Yes, the same reason that they are a discouragement to the leaders. They WILL NOT follow!

Their refusal to either lead or follow has the tendency to "rub off" on other follower that, perhaps, are "on the fringe". These "fringe followers" have just begun to follow and realize that they are a part of a larger team and that it requires EVERYONE to help out and do their part. But then the "fringe follower" notices the "dead weight" and wonders why they, too, won't follow.

So, guess what happens? The "fringe follower" stops following so that they can have a discussion with the "dead weight" and then, before they realize it, the "fringe follower" has now also become "dead weight".

It happens CONSTANTLY in our world and in companies and businesses all around the world.

GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Here's what I mean by that. Hey, if you're not willing to be a leader and if you're not willing to be a follower, would you please move yourself to the side of the "track" or the side of the "highway" so that the rest of us can move on toward our journey?

Sit on the sidelines and gripe and complain if that is what you want to dedicate your life to, but, PLEASE, move out of the flow of "traffic" so as not to impede the progress of those that are either leading or following!

Is it possible for the "dead weight" to change and become a follower and even a leader?

YES! But they first must decide that they want to CHANGE their life and CHOOSE to make this change in their life. They must decide first of all that they, too, want to become a follower. Perhaps, one day, they MIGHT become a leader, but not until they learn the value of becoming a follower.

So, yes, I stick by the bluntness of the phrase, "LEAD, FOLLOW or GET OUT OF THE WAY!".

Followers COUNT!

Sometimes in the are of personal development the idea is felt - whether it's intentional or not - that if you are not a leader, you really don't count.

I disagree with that and so do most people that work in this area. Again, if there are no followers there can not be leaders! Leaders MUST have followers in order to lead.

In today's discussion I group followers into two categories: 1. The "no more/no less" follower and 2. The "more than expected" follower

The "no more/no less" follower is the person that does EXACTLY what is asked of them. This is good in that you know if you ask this person to do a task IT WILL BE DONE! You can count on them and KNOW - without having to check on them - that the task will be done and it will be done well. However, they will do that task and NOTHING MORE.

For example, if they are doing their task and they discover along the way that there is also something else that could be done at the same time - a separate, but connected task - they will not do it. Their thought process is something along the lines of, "I wasn't told to do that task. I am going to stick to what I was told to do and not attempt to do anything else."

Sometimes this action is due to fear of doing the "extra task" incorrectly or even fear of being reprimanded for doing something that they were not told to do. And then, sometimes this action is due to a certain level of "laziness" in that they will do ONLY what they have been asked to do and nothing more. If asked, "Why didn't you go ahead and do this extra task when you discovered it?" their answer will likely be, "Because you didn't tell me to."

Although this type of follower CAN be valuable (they do the task and they do it well) they can also be VERY frustrating to the leader. A leader would prefer to have a follower that, yes, will do the task assigned but will also have the drive to do another task IF it is something that can be done and not distract the follower from their original task. This is called "efficiency".

My guess is that, if you are reading this blog and consider yourself a follower as opposed to a leader, you DON'T consider yourself to be THIS kind of follower. That's just my "gut feeling" about someone that is trying to improve their mindset and, thus, their life.

However, IF, being honest with yourself this DOES describe you, I want to encourage you to change your thinking and step out of the "comfort zone" of being a "no more/no less follower". You may feel some unhappiness and restlessness in your life that is likely connected to being this type of follower and you haven't even realized that yet.

Let me encourage you to step out and become the second kind of follower that I'd like to discuss: the "more than expected" follower.

I have three sons (26 - in April; 23 and 19) and I have tried to instill in each of them the idea of "do more than what is expected" as they have had summer jobs. Do what you are told to do and then do more. I have told them that, if they will develop this attitude about their work - ANY work - they will do well and they will be a valuable employee.

THIS is the kind of follower that leaders love!

Yes, just like the "no more/no less" follower, this follower does not have to be constantly checked on to make sure that they are doing the task as assigned, BUT they have the added bonus of taking the initiative to go ahead and do EXTRA tasks found along the way.

Their attitude is, "Hey, here's something that needs to be done. I'm here, I can do it, so why not do it while I'm here and while I can?"

This type of follower is an invaluable asset to ANY organization and EVERY organization MUST have this kind of follower in order to survive and succeed.

Follower - do NOT allow yourself to develop the attitude of, "If you want me to do more than expected then you need to pay me more!" or anything even similar to that. This is the type of negativity that will end up causing you to be a "dead weight" that needs to get out of the way. And, likely, if you develop this type of attitude and allow it to stay for very long you will likely be MOVED out of the way by having your job taken away from you.

YES, followers COUNT!

YES, even if you are not a leader, YOU COUNT and are a vital part of ANY organization!

Take PRIDE in what you do and always strive to be a "more than expected" type of follower. You will be happier in your work and you will gain great pride in your efforts as well.

Oh, and by the way... by doing so, you will also be a leader to the other followers that have not stepped out of the "no more/no less" category.

That's right, you will be a leader, too even if you don't consider yourself to be one.

Crazy cool, huh?

Thanks for taking the time to read this today. If you haven't done so, I invite you to be sure to listen to the podcast available at iTunes (Future You University) or on my website at http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com

And, as always...

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

Mike

LEADERSHIP

"Lead, Follow or GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

This is basically the saying that I am using for the basis of my podcast/blog for Wednesday and Thursday and today I am focusing on the "Leadership" aspect.

Now, I understand it when some people kind of "winch" when they read or hear this little line --but think about it and I think you will agree that it is a legitimate phrase. Not everyone is a leader, but if you're not going to lead, then be the BEST follower you can be! However, if you aren't going to lead OR follow - GET OUT OF THE WAY!

I'm going to talk more about the "follow or get out of the way" part in tomorrow's podcast/blog and I won't be devoting a whole lot of time to the "get out of the way" part. Why? Well, honestly, people in that category are not likely to be listening to or reading ANYTHING along the lines of personal development!

In the podcast for today I shared several quotes about leadership that I picked up from http://www.wisdomquotes.com/ (check it out - it has many different categories full of quotes and is a great resource) and I'll share just a few of my favorites here:

"Inventories can be managed, but people must be led." - H. Ross Perot

"I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure: which is: Try to please everybody." - Herbert B. Swope

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." - John Quincy Adams

Again, I use several more in the podcast so be sure to check it out to get the rest of them - but take a close look at even just these three. Leaders are SPECIAL people that understand what it is, first of all, to follow and also to be a servant!

Here's the thing about leaders and followers that most people miss - ALL leaders are STILL followers! Every leader - regardless of who it is - still follows someone! They ALL have a mentor or someone that they turn to for advice or that they use as a model on how they want to lead. It's true!

If ANYONE says, "I follow no one!" then, in my opinion, here are three things you can know about that person immediately: 1. They are a LIAR 2. They are a FOOL 3. They are an IDIOT - 'nuff said.

We likely have all seen "leaders" (I use that term loosely here) that have tried to please everybody - and we've all likely seen the chaos that followed! Being a leader - a TRUE leader - is not always easy and, if you think it is then you are in for a major correction in your thinking!

I love the quote by John Quincy Adams! Summed up, "Leaders Inspire!"

So, here's the thing to think about today...you may not consider yourself to be a leader and, yet, you likely ARE a leader of someone! Remember, all leaders follow someone and, most of the time, most followers have those that follow them. But we'll get into that more in tomorrow's discussion.

If you deem yourself a leader, I really encourage you to take the time to either listen to and write down the quotes I share on the podcast and REALLY take the time to allow them to sink in OR to just got to the quotes page I've shared with you and do the same thing.

It takes a special person to lead in such a way that creates a DESIRE to follow in those around them. Not because they "have to" out of fear, but because they "have to" due to the draw of their "spirit" so to speak. Do you understand what I mean? It's as if there is a magnet in this leader that is drawing them to follow.

WARNING: Keep your head on here! Don't blindly follow someone because they are charismatic! Many have made that mistake and have suffered great losses in their lives - be careful!

The "draw/magnetism" I refer to is one that draws/attracts because you SEE in them action that goes beyond the talk or the charisma. There must be SUBSTANCE behind the pretty lights!

I'd like to leave you with one last quote that I shared on today's podcast:

"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born -- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." - Warren G. Bennis

Are YOU cultivating the leader quality within you?

In my opinion, just being here reading this and/or listening to this podcast shows that you are, indeed, working on improving your mindset and, thus, your life!

That's what leaders do and then they show others the way to do the same thing in their own lives.

Thanks for taking the time to share in my thoughts today - I always appreciate it. Whatever you do, as always, be sure to...

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

Mike

One Year Anniversary Celebration!

F.Y.U. Podcast Celebrates ONE YEAR!

It's really hard for me to believe but, on March 2, 2009 I began doing my Future You University podcast with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday format. And now, here I am a year later, still here and now doing a Monday through Friday format and having a great time along the way!

I want to encourage you to be sure to listen to today's "celebration podcast" as I share my very first podcast on "HOPE". I also take some time to thank some of the people that have helped me along the way either by encouragement, participating in my podcasts or even helping with some of the actual physical aspects of what I am trying to do.

So, again, thanks to:

J.B. Glossinger, founder of MorningCoach.com , the place where I discovered a whole group of people all focused on improving their lives by improving their mindset. This is the place that I began to share a lot of my ideas and thoughts through my articles and responses to other posts. It is also where I joined up in a class and learned what I needed to know about doing my podcasts. Some of the people that I met through this site are still connected with me in one way or another and have been real encouragers along the way. J.B. - thanks for your encouragement along the way!

Angie Strader & Joe Hazen have both been guests on my podcast and both have been big encouragers in their own special way. Angie is doing some AMAZING things in her own way and I really connected with Angie when I heard the name of one of her websites: TheWorldNeedsMoreHappy.com - that name spoke to me and I had to talk to Angie to find out more. (Yes, Joe and Angie were both students in the same class that I participated in at morningcoach.com). Joe - "Jammin' Joe" or "The Amazin' Hazen" - and I just seemed to "click" right from the start and, although we haven't spoken a whole lot lately, still seem to have the desire to spur each other on to greater and greater things! Joe is also involved in improving his life by taking steps to be in charge of his own future! Thank you, Angie and Joe!

Gerry Ottesen & Jim Ferguson have both been MAJOR encouragers for me along the way! Gerry regularly sends notes and messages to me either via e-mail or on my Facebook page that also lift me up! Thanks so much for that Gerry - you have a gift in that area, my friend! Jim has done the same thing for me very often and, just about the time I think no one is "out there" and listening I either get a note form Gerry or Joe OR both of them - at just the right time - and I am encouraged to keep sharing my thoughts and ideas. THANK YOU BOTH so much!

Frank McDerment has helped me in so many ways since I began this journey. He has always been available with some great insight and suggestions along the way and has voluntarily helped me with my website and the changes and additions that I have wanted over the past year. This has been worth more - and meant more - than can be expressed here but it is a GREAT blessing to have someone like Frank in my life in this effort! THANKS Frank!

Carola Fuertes is a friend that lives in Chile and, thankfully, last I heard was doing o.k. following the recent earthquake in her country. I've not had the chance to keep up (don't think I could EVER keep up with this firecracker!) with Carola as much lately as earlier, but she is another that I connected with via the morningcoach.com page. Carola has such a brightness surrounding her - a joy - that is infectious and she is one that, for me, encourages me to step out and LIVE LIFE! I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that Carola is still doing her podcast that she began just a little before I started mine. Whatever Carola is doing - she will do to her best and she will enjoy it every step of the way! THANKS Carola!

O.k. now - this is starting to look like a speech after winning an Oscar award or something. Are you waiting for me to break out into, "They like me. They really, really like me!" ? Nah, don't think I'll do that!

But I just couldn't talk about this being a one year anniversary without mentioning at least these that have been some a help to me along the way.

And, oh yes, there are many others that have been an encouragement with a little note here and there letting me know that what I'm doing is making a difference in their lives.

Thank you all and I hope to hear from more and more of you along the way. I cannot tell you what a lift it gives to hear from someone that lets me know that they are listening and that it is something positive for their life.

I have many big plans for this next year and I hope that you will join me along the way for this wonderful ride!

Whatever you do - wherever you live - regardless of your circumstances - always remember these thoughts:

"As long as there is breath, there is hope."

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

Mike