Wednesday 27 July 2011

Q & A with Mike Spillman from Future You University

Back in 2009 I was chatting with my friend Mike Spillman from Future You University and he pitched an idea of having a Q & A session with him. I am always hungry for great information especially from people like Mike, so I took him up on his offer. Here's the result:

Questions and Answers with Mike Spillman (an interview done by Jini Charley from Belize on 4.16.2009)

1) What is your idea/your definition of success?

When I think of "success" I actually think of two different categories. For one, I think of a general, "over-all" idea/definition which I will discuss first. As many will tell you, success is not all about wealth. Overall, I would suggest that success is a sense of fulfillment in one's life. What do I mean? Well, for me - things I take into consideration are such things as my family. I am the father of three sons, two of which are married and the youngest will be a Senior in High School next year. So, as I now observe these young men I get to watch and feel "fulfillment" in knowing that I planted seed in their lives for this very moment. I find fulfillment (success) in knowing that I did indeed spend quality time (and quantity as well) with my sons and that I shared love, laughter and music with them as they grew. Did I do everything perfectly? Of course not - but I feel a contentment and fulfillment knowing that I did the best for them that I could. I also consider my relationship with my wife. We will have been married for 28 years in about another month. By no means have I been perfect in this marriage. However, there has been a commitment and devotion that has made it last. The Bible asks the question, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?" I also attach to that thought of "soul" , family. I do not consider one successful if he has lost family in his/her quest for "success.

Now, on to the other category which I would consider financial. Again, for others this can mean many different things. Yet, when I think of financial success I consider it this way: for me to have achieved a financial level that allows me to give away a minimum of 50% of my income to charities, youth organizations, etc. AND to be able to know that my family's financial future has also been taken care of (retirement, etc.). Then to live peaceably, joyfully and content with what is "left". To enjoy my life without worry and still know that I am helping others. What's the dollar amount on that? For me, it's likely less than one would think. Think about this - after you have shared what you have been blessed with and taken care of your family and your future....how much do you need? My only desire in increasing wealth once these things are achieved is the ability to give even more to these charities and youth organizations. Simply put, in both "categories" my definition of success would be using and sharing what God has blessed you with!

2) What are you willing to do to be a success?
3) What are you NOT willing to do to be a success?

I'm going to combine these two questions into one. My answer to this question is a little different than it would have been a few years ago - and yet it remains the same! Confused? Let me explain. In my answer about "success" I talked about my family and my sons. I have never been willing to give up that "quantity and quality" time with my sons. Never. I understand what some people say about "quality" vs. "quantity" but I honestly believe that you cannot have one without the other. My #1 job was to be a good father to my sons, so I was not willing to spend large amounts of time away from them or to become too busy for them.

The same is true today, but in a different way. Our dynamic has changed at home, however I still am firm in my resolve to put family first. Now, that doesn't mean the same as it did several years ago due to this changing dynamic. I now have more time to devote to my dreams and goals, yet I will not do so to the detriment of my relationship with my wife or son(s). This is an EXCITING time in my life! My time has been "opened up" due to the ages of my sons, and I am very excited to be pushing ahead with these dreams and goals.

I HOPE that I am willing to have a determination that will never give up in this pursuit! I hope that I am willing to teach others along the way and to help them in their pursuits. I HOPE that I will always be an example of character and honesty along the way. I am committed to that. So, in saying that, I am NOT willing to pursue this success "at all costs". As you read in my definition of success, for me it is more than a dollar amount.

Bottom line, the biggest thing (in my opinion) that we must ALL be willing to do to be a success is to step out in the face of fear and make that move!

4) What are some of your short term goals?

My short term goals probably are focused around my seminars that I will begin this summer. This is a big step for me! Am I a little afraid? Yes. It's that whole "fear of the unknown" that we must all battle. More specifically, my short term goals are for my seminars to get off to a great start this summer and to have attendance at each one of at least 200 people and also for my podcasts to continue to be received well.

5) What are some of your mid-term goals?

My mid-term goals (I look at the next 3 - 5 years) would be the expansion of all that I am currently doing. I plan for my podcasts to be well-known by many and to be a top-ranked podcasts at iTunes. I also plan to be involved in my own radio program with these same ideas and thoughts. My goal is for my seminars to continue to draw those wanting and willing to grow in the area of positive thinking and personal development and to also begin to focus on programs for teens. I have a MAJOR plan/goal to happen within three years that I cannot share with you here at this time. Shhhhhhh..it's a secret. But you'll hear about it, I promise!

6) What are some of your long term goals?

I love Jim Rohn. I love his personality and his approach. I love the way that he has achieved respect from so many for what he has shared with hundreds of thousands of people. He has left such a powerful legacy in his work and in his life!

My long term goals would be for this whole path that I'm taking to continue to expand and grow beyond my wildest dreams - areas that I cannot even begin to imagine at this point and for me to be willing to allow these things to happen. My long term goal is for the name, Mike Spillman, to create thoughts of "honor, integrity, honestly, quality, compassion" - and to leave this earth with such a legacy. A legacy of sharing what God has blessed me with and passing it on to others.

7) What are you willing to do to achieve those goals?
8) What are you NOT willing to do to achieve those goals?

My answer to these two would not be any different to #'s 2 and 3. I am not willing to lessen my integrity, etc. in order to reach any goal. It's just not worth it and it will bring failure sooner or later.

9) What are your values/beliefs?

I try to follow the example that Jesus left for us to focus on "serving others" rather than "being served". What a powerful thought! What a powerful way to live! By doing so, my focus is then on doing the best I can to make sure that anyone and everyone that has ANYTHING to do with me or my program(s) always receives more than they bargained for. My goal and focus because of this example is to not worry so much about "am I getting what I'm worth" as much as "are they getting MORE than they paid for?".

I believe that each of us has something great within us. As the old saying goes, "God doesn't make junk!" Oh, the world will do all it can (the negativity) to dump on us and make us feel worthless. And the world is full of people that are in this arena of "worthlessness" in their eyes --- but I believe differently! Due to that, I hope to help others rise above this negative influence so that they may live to their full, glorious potential.

10) What advice would you give to someone wanting to make it as an entrepreneur, whether online or offline?

In a recent podcast that I did ("Making the Move - Part 3" ...go to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com to reach my podcast link as well as my blog on these things) I discuss some very specific questions that people should ask themselves when considering stepping out and "making their move". I would direct you to that and ask that you write them down and take the time to answer each one of them. Here's the thing I want to emphasize - "making your move" can mean a lot of different things! Perhaps for you, it is deciding to get your G.E.D. or to go back to college and get your degree. That is a BIG step and many people never make these moves due to the fear that we have already discussed. Ask yourself this question - WHAT IS YOUR DREAM WORTH? Actually, a lot of the questions you have asked me would be questions I would suggest that anyone seeking to improve their life in any way ask themselves.

Another bit of advice I would give is this - NEVER GIVE UP! You see, if your "dream" has "worth/value" (again, you must determine its worth) then you should never give up on it. How long is too long? Too many people give up at the first signs of trouble or adversity. When I see this I assume that the dream must not have been worth much to start with.

And, finally, I'd give this advice - follow your heart! What do I mean by that? If the "dream" is not YOUR dream -you likely will not have the determination to follow through. If it is not something that you feel passionate about - you likely will give up. Why? Because the "worth/value" is not there! For example, at one time in my life, I sold vacuum cleaners door to door. Really - I'm telling the truth! I HATED it! However, due to some success I had early on I had been promoted to manager of the local branch. (Actually, I figured out later, no one else would take it!). Anyway, one day one of the "biggies" that was over our area was visiting with me and getting all excited about this vacuum cleaner and how to use this approach and that approach when he stopped in the middle of his sentence, looked at the blank look on my face and said, "You're really not into this at all, are you?" I honestly answered back, "No sir, I'm really not." Needless to say, that was the end of my vacuum cleaner days. THANK YOU!

Take the time necessary (what if it takes years?) to find your passion. Be patient. It will come! And, when it does, you should then have the passion necessary (the "worth/value") to follow it through.

11) Anything else you'd like to share?

I simply want to thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts. I also simply encourage others to do all they can to serve the people around you. Make an impact on YOUR world - your community, you home, your friends and family. Start there and great things will happen. I believe that and I want to encourage you to do the same. Please feel free to contact me via the website I listed above - I'd love to hear from any of you. Now, I cannot end this without saying the following......."Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

At this point I thanked him for his time and answered him as to some people I'd like to have participate. Among them are Jay Peroni (JayPeroni.com), Dan Miller (48days.com), Angie Strader (TheWorldNeedsMoreHappy.com) and JB Glossinger (MorningCoach.com), just to name a few. To see what they, and others, have to say, stay tuned.

Until then, God bless...

Ms Jini

1 comment:

  1. Hey there, "Miss J"...I'm not sure my answers would be much different as far as doing a "Q-A" for the same questions, but I'd love to do some on other things/thoughts sometime if you'd like. Good to hear from you on my blog a few months back!
    www.FutureYouUniversity.com

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