So here we are. December 31. The end of another year.
I've been reading countless reflections and resolutions throughout the day on Facebook and in other blogs. And now I can't help but look back over the past twelve months and think about how far I've come. Or not.
I remember being fired up a year ago about 2010. It was the year I was going to get myself out from under a pile of debt, move to a place I wanted to call home, reach a level of sales production I had never reached before, and take a couple trips I had been wanting to take. I get a rock in my gut when I realize I didn't achieve any of those goals. And I have to ask myself why. Why was my overall sales production so "off?" Why am I still living in a place that isn't home to me? What have I learned?
- Walk away from a seller who wants to list their house higher than the market can handle. It is simply not worth the time and effort.
- Walk away from the buyer who will not meet with a lender and get a pre-approval letter. If they aren't willing to talk to someone and find out exactly how much they can afford, how serious are they?
- Walk away from the buyer who chooses to, time and time again, write low-ball offers. I understand some buyers want to try and low-ball on a property. But if this strategy continues regardless of how many times they lose out on a property to another buyer, it sends me the message that they are not serious about buying and it is time for me to move on.
- Walk away from anyone who is negative or blames others for the situation they are in. We all have our moments of needing to vent, but if that negativity becomes the norm for someone, it tends to "rub off."
- Walk away from anyone who complains and complains and complains and chooses not to take any steps to make a change. I really do believe we are all ultimately responsible for where we are in our lives. If you're not happy, do something about it.
- Stay focused on the goals. Even if you can't see how a goal could ever be achieved, trust that the "how" will be shown to you in some way. There is always a way.
- Have faith.
- Stay hopeful.
- Don't EVER listen to anyone who tells you your goals are too ambitious. You know what you want and what is important to you. Go for it.
- Believe. Believe that you deserve all that you want.
Here's to a new year, new opportunities, and a list of achievements to look back on one year from today. Bring on 2011!
Absolutely what i was feeling and thinking. I didn't hit all of my goals but i learned some of the same lessons.
looking forward to 2011
happy new year
Kristal -- Yeah, it sure was an eye-opening year. Tough but hopefully we've all been made a little stronger because of it. Wishing you the best in '11! And thank you for stopping by.
Great post Peggy. I think many of us may have fallen short of our goals but I think you must ask yourself did the goal(s) motivate you to reach higher and work harder than you otherwise would have? May you have a happy and prosperous 2011!
Keith -- Thank you. It's been tough accepting how far off I was from reaching my goals but probably even tougher learning to be honest with myself as to why I didn't achieve them. Certainly has motivated me to work harder!! The best to you, as well, in 2011!
I just wrote a short blog about my year end. My 2009 business plan? I wasn't even close - few if any of the plans actually are still in place after this year. It was a tough - take no prisoners type of year.
But by adapting and making changes to your plans you can do it. I love how you have looked to see what was not working for you. The power you feel when you walk away from a bad client will make you feel amazing.
Keep up the hard work - it will payoff!
A good NEW YEAR is in store for you!! I just know it!
Tad -- You're so right -- it's about adapting and making changes. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I wish you the best in 2011!!
Pat -- It's going to be a great year for both of us. Things are making a turn for the better!
Peggy, I'm certain that you will have a great 2011. I haven't been on Active Rain much lately and I have resolved to reconnect with all my AR friends and just posted my first post of the year. Have a Happy New Year.
Gary -- Thank you for your positive thoughts. I know we are all going to have a great year. And now I'm heading over to your blog to read your first post of '11.
Hey Peggy, I just thought I would check in to say hi and I read your post. You know in '09 I had the worst year of my career and of course that was the first year at Shorewest, talk about lost expectations. I learned about humility all over again but had to just pick myself up off the mat and go forward with out beating myself up too much. For the lesson's I learned were to first of all, not spend money before I made it, do what I've always done to get business, which is putting myself in front of a lot of people and to not loose sight of God's plan for me. I've been in tough spots before and always pulled through so why now should I doubt that God won't come through again. I've said this before and I'll say it again, you are an excellent agent and not only an asset to Shorewest, but to the entire real estate community! I admire your purity. Have a great day! - Knash
Kevin -- Wow! Thank you! for your kind words. You made my day. I have certainly learned to give more focus on what I do have rather than what I don't and to be grateful for that. Things could always be worse. So far 2011 is off to a good start and I'm trusting things will continue that way. I wish you a great year, as well. Hope to have the opportunity to work on another deal with you!