Jan O'Brien - Real Estate Coach

Why Resolutions Don't Work...How to Celebrate Your Successes...Then Set Outcomes not Resolutions

Celebrate Successes then Set Outcomes not Resolutions! on Prezi

"There is one quality that one must possess to win, and that is definiteness of purpose, the knowledge of what one wants and a burning desire to achieve it."  - Napoleon Hill

Celebrate Your Successes!

As the year comes to a close, I want to pass on one of the most impactful exercises my former business coach, Mark McHale, had me do several years ago.  The purpose of the exercise was to conduct a review of the previous year by writing down every success, win, and positive thing that I experienced - both big and small.  So, I challenge all readers to Celebrate Your Successes! 

In my experience as a coach and manager, I have observed that most driven and success-minded individuals have a tendency to focus on what they haven't achieved yet.  They are always moving on to the next goal or challenge without stopping, however briefly, to acknowledge the victory or success of the moment. 

So, as you fine-tune your goals and business plan for a successful next year, take some time to look back on the current/previous year with a focus on the positives. 

Grab your journal or some paper or...Use this Celebrate Your Successes PDF:
Download CelebrateYourSuccesses

Just write it all down - stream of consciousness - no matter how seemingly insignificant.  Just write it down.  Once you start writing, you'll be surprised at how much you really have to celebrate!

• List all your accomplishments, wins, victories, successes in the past year.
• List all moment of joy and gratitude.
• What did you do last year that you were really proud of?
• What do other people in your life have to say about what you did, accomplished, contributed?
• What did you do last year that moved you toward your goals?
• What lessons did you gain from any setbacks, challenges or obstacles?
• How are your going to integrate any learnings in to your future goals and the coming year?

 

Why Resolutions Don’t Work

I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions.  Statistics show that most people never keep the resolutions they set for the New Year. 

• 45% of Americans usually set New Year’s Resolutions; 17% infrequently set resolutions; 38% absolutely never set resolutions.

• Only 8% of people are always successful in achieving their resolutions. 19% achieve their resolutions every other year.  49% have infrequent success.  24% (one in four people) NEVER succeed and have failed on every resolution every year. That means that 3 out of 4 people almost never succeed.   Reference

The main reason most resolutions don’t work is that they focus on only one area of your life - the DO level. Many of us are living life with the focus on DO-HAVE-BE.  “I will DO this thing.” (Lose weight) “So I can HAVE this other thing” (Self-Esteem) and I can BE this thing. (Confident.)

Most of us are action-oriented, and evaluate ourselves by how much we are doing, producing, and achieving. We have to-do lists, goals, resolutions and lots of "shoulds." We like to place priority on problem solving and accomplishing tasks (do), so that we can gain some sort of outcome (have), and then be something or someone in the world.

The average New Year’s Resolution doesn’t tackle the core of the issue – the “BE” level.

The best method for creating positive changes in your life is to understand and use the BE - DO - HAVE model.  When you begin changing on the BE level of your life, then the DO level and the HAVE level follow more easily.

Rather than focusing first on the action and the "Do," start with who am I and what’s important to me, or the BE.  While it is important to create structure, accountability, and action steps, how often do we take a step back and ask ourselves why we are doing what we are doing?  

You've got to be crystal clear about WHY you want something.  When you are setting your goals make sure to ask yourself the critical question:  Why it is important to you?  Is the goal for you?  Is it your burning desire to achieve it?  Or is it someone else's wish for you? 

How clear we are about our “why” has a huge impact on our levels of commitment, engagement, and satisfaction with the experience.  

A Definite purpose backed by a burning desire (CLARITY) + Taking the appropriate (ACTION) = Your desired (OUTCOME)

  

Now Set GOALS or OUTCOMES not Resolutions!

The critical steps to achieving your goals:

1. Identify clear, concise, SMART goals and know your WHY for each of them.
2. Write them down for all areas of your life (Personal, Financial, Business/Career, Relationships/Family, Spiritual)
3. Create Action Plans - break the goal down into steps and next actions.  Take action every day!
4. Measure and track your progress - you can't improve what you don't measure.
5. Celebrate your successes along the way - make any necessary course corrections.

Related posts on Goal Setting:

• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 1
• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 2
• 5 Principles of Success
• Download Keys-to-an-Achievable-Outcome.pdf  (Goals Template)

• How to Make A Vision Board

 

What is the intensity of your desire?  Do you possess the persistence necessary to succeed?

How to develop persistence:

1. Have a definite purpose backed by a burning desire to achieve it.
2. Create a definite plan, expressed in continuous action.
3. Cultivate a mind closed tightly to al negative and discouraging influences, including any negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.
4. Develop a friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage you to follow through with your plan (a mastermind)

To Improve the Quality of Your Life... All You Need is the....

• Desire to change
• Decision to take action
• Discipline to practice new behaviors
• Determination to persist until you get results

"Clarity accounts for probably 80% of success and happiness. Lack of clarity is probably more responsible for frustration and underachievement than any other single factor.  Your success in life will be largely determined by how clear you are about what it is you really, really want."  - Brian Tracy

 

YouTube Motivational – Inspirational Videos

Ultimate Motivation – No Excuses
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzpWT66Km8E

Maybe, the most inspirational video ever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7r7YY_EO0A

Life = Risk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzBCI13rJmA

Don’t Quit Poem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkCFeNeqyHk

Esther Hicks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4zWBHFCmXM

The Real Estate Agent Business Plan – 3 Steps to Success

Real Estate Business Planning and Goal Setting is a topic I love to teach and share with real estate professionals.  In my 19+ years in the real estate industry, it has been my experience that the agents who actually write down their goals and utilize an real business plan always meet and usually exceed their desired outcomes.

Unfortunately, less than 20% (probably closer to 10%) of real estate agents actually prepare a written business plan and set annual goals.   I have witnessed the amazing results of those who actually create and use a business plan and set goals in all areas of their life.  Only 3% of adults have clearly written goals and accomplish 5 to 10 times more than those who do not have written goals. The 80/20 principle applies to everything - just become aware and observe the multitude of examples (Read Living the 80/20 Way Work Less, Worry Less, Succeed More, Enjoy More):

• 80% of sales people spend 80% their time with customers who will never buy or sell from them. 
• 80% of your results will come from 20% of your activities
• Less than 20% of agents are responsible for 80% of all business

Here's your challenge... Are you ready, willing and able to join the success group (the less than 20%)?  Are you willing to do the opposite of what the masses usually do and achieve your desired outcomes?  If you are ready... start today by following the 3 Steps to Business Planning and Take Action! 

It all starts by writing your goals or desired outcomes, creating a written business plan and updating/revising your business budget then measuring and tracking your results.  I invite you to follow the 3 steps outlined below, download the accompanying forms and.... JUST DO IT!

Step 1 – Set Your Goals (Outcomes)

The critical steps to achieving your goals:

Download Keys-to-an-Achievable-Outcome.pdf (Goals Template)

• Identify clear, concise, SMART goals and know your WHY for each of them.
  

Specific/Simple
Measurable/Meaningful to you
Attainable/As if Now/All areas of your life
Realistic/Responsible
Timeframe/Toward what you want

• Write them down for all areas of your life (Personal, Financial, Business/Career, Relationships/Family, Spiritual)
• Create Action Plans – break the goal down into steps and next actions.  Take action every day!
• Measure and track your progress – you can’t improve what you don’t measure.
• Celebrate your successes along the way – make any necessary course corrections.

Why Write Down Your Goals (Outcomes)?

• To clarify what it is you truly desire.  Writing down your goals forces you to select something specific and decide what you want and when you want to attain it.
• To motivate and inspire you to take action. Writing your goals down is only the first step.  It is also important to review them regularly which supports you to take the next most important action toward your goal.
• To help you overcome resistance. Every meaningful intention, dream, or goal encounters resistance. From the moment you set a goal, you will begin to feel it.  Resist the temptation to focus on that resistance and instead focus on what you want to accomplish.
• To enable you to see—and celebrate—your succeess and progress.  Written goals are like mile-markers on a highway. They enable you to see how far you have come and how far you need to go. They also provide an opportunity for celebration when you attain them.

Read these posts for more information on goal setting, affirmations, mindset:

• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 1
• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 2
• 5 Principles of Success

• Clarity of Purpose - Do you have it?
• How to Discover and Celebrate Your Success, Your Wins for the Past Year...Then Set Outcomes not Resolutions
• Real Estate Affirmations for a Successful Career
• The Power of Affirmations
  

More recommended resources on Goal-Setting:

Brian Tracy International - I highly recommend anything written by Brian Tracy.  Sign up for one of Brian's free newsletters and receive a free 326 page eBook entitled GOALS! How to Get Everything You Want - Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible.

David Allen's Getting Things Done -  GTD is an effective Action Management System.  Read or download and listen to this book.  There are abundant free resources and blogs on this site.

Step 2 – Create Your Business Action Plan

Download the documents and follow the guidelines to create your real estate business plan for the coming year.

• Conduct an Assessment and Review of the current or previous year.
  Review_of_your_Business.pdf  Start by analyzing your previous year’s business – this form will help you gather and calculate key factors for your specific business.  Everything from sources of business to average days on market and listing to sale ratios.  Before you launch into your plan for the coming year, it’s critical to review what worked last year and to know your basic numbers.
• The Real Estate Business Plan
   Basic_Real_Estate Business_Plan The is is a 2-page easy-to-use, basic real estate business plan.  Just follow the step-by step formula to turn your desired income goal into the number of listings, sales, contacts and appointments required to obtain it.
  • Use this SAMPLE Basic Business Plan to use as a guide:  Sample-Basic-Real-Estate-Business-Plan.pdf
• Listing & Sales Goal Formula - RealEstateClosingGoals This excel form auto-calculates the total number of listings and sales you need to close in order to reach your income goal.  Don't forget to calculate the estimated number of appointments, contact and  presentations necessary to reach your goals - which is the second page of the Real Estate Business Plan above. 
• Additional Planning Resources
  • Allocating_time_to_build_your_business.pdf  An eye-opener exercise about the value of your time.
  • DailyWorkPlan.pdf  A simple daily planner page that also helps you track productive activity.
  • Attitude_Affirmations_TimeMgmt  A good review of what you already know!

Step 3 – Measure and Track Your Results

You can’t improve what you don’t measure.   An excellent tracking system will allow you to make necessary course corrections and adjustments as well as gage your overall success.  Here are some excellent tools to track and measure your performance and results -

• Income_statement.pdf or (Excel Version) Income_statement_blank.xls .  A basic real estate business income and expense form.
• BusinessBudget.xls.   Another excellent customizable business budget  (compliments of  Brian Buffini & Company)
• PersonalBudget.xls Don’t forget to complete a personal, home budget as well as business budget – also from Brian Buffini & Company.
• EscrowTrackingReport1 - This is a basic excel form - easy to modify - to track all of your escrows
• Commission_tracking_80.xls This is a customizable spreadsheet to track your commissions and all related expenses.

SECRET to SUCCESS: Create Your Daily Action Plan and Just Do It!

Once you have your business plan in place, it is critical to review it and make necessary course corrections at least quarterly .  On a monthly basis, make sure to use a performance dashboard or a suitable tracking form to record your actual results and compare them to your plan or goal.

Create Your customized   Success Action Plan
Download this Word doc and customize it with your goals and your daily, weekly, monthly action items/tactics to reach your goals.

From the business plan you can create your daily, weekly, monthly ACTION PLAN.  This plan will outline the income-producing activities and other tasks you are committed to in order to achieve your  desired outcomes.  Review and stick to your Action Plan DAILY!

• Write your Action Plan on index cards – and keep one with you
• Put one in front of your dayplanner
• Post it in your workspace
• Tape it to your bathroom mirror and review it daily
• Review and record your results daily also

A basic mantra or affirmation for your consideration and real estate success could simply be:

“I make one qualified appointment daily!”

Create an Action Plan that works for you – it may consist of some of the following activities:

1. Make ______ contacts daily
2. Send ______ personal notes weekly
3. Add _______ people to your database weekly or monthly
4. Contact _____ FSBOs weekly
5. Contact ______ Expireds weekly
6. Hold ______ effective open houses weekly/ monthly
7. Mail or email to your SOI/Past clients valuable market information monthly
8. Mail or email to your designated farm of ______  properties monthly
9. Door knock/ door drop _________ houses monthly
10. Take ____ past client to lunch monthly
11. Network with ____ business to business referrals monthly
12. Hand out 5-10 business cards, 5 days/week and actively ask for business or for permission to add them to your database

More Recommended Resources:

Brian Tracy International – I highly recommend anything written by Brian Tracy.  Sign up for one of Brian’s free newsletters and receive a free 326 page eBook entitled GOALS! How to Get Everything You Want – Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible.

David Allen’s Getting Things Done -  GTD is an effective Action Management System.  Read or download and listen to this book.  There are abundant free resources and blogs on this site.

• Read my posts on GTD:
  Best Lifehacks of 2009: The Year in Review - Personal Productivity and Creativity Excerpt
• Getting Things Done - A Review

Free Motivational & Success Classics as eBook downloads:

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
• As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
• Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell

3 Steps to a Great New Year - A Note from the Universe

I am huge fan of Mike Dooley's site www.TUT.com ( Totally Unique Thoughts) and the daily, inspirational "Note from the Universe".

Here's the note from 12/31/10 - just wanted to share it and recommend TUT.com as a great resource.

As the new year begins, now's a great time to:

1. Wipe the slate clean.
2. Focus upon what you really want.
3. Chart your course.

Right?

Well... only if you want to risk having to repeat these steps for the same wishes next year! Maybe this is splitting hairs, but here's an adventurous alternative:

1. Give thanks that life is... just as it is (and that it's been... just as it's been). Because of it, you're now "READY."

2. Define what you want in terms of the end result. Don't worry about the hows, or even the course. KNOW that what you want is ALREADY yours in spirit, by divine LAW, just focus on the certainty of this ownership, understand it, claim it, and "it will be on earth, as it is in heaven (spirit)."

3. LET THE UNIVERSE show you the way via your impulses and instincts that appear as you take inspired action. Don't worry that your first steps seem silly or futile. And if you don't know what to do, do anything! Go! Get busy! Do not insist on intermediary successes, only upon the end result.

2011 is going to be your year (it already is),

The Universe

    Snowing in Las Vegas - Monday, January 3rd! 

2009 Year in Review - A Year of Change & Adjustment

For me, 2009 was all about change and adjusting to that change.  Personally, I made a major career change in July when I resigned as General Manager at Prudential Americana Group, REALTORS to pursue my passion for coaching and training on my own.  Many people thought I was out of my mind to leave the security of a great position in a successful company in the middle of the worst economic downturn and recession since the Great Depression.

It was the best decision for me and at a perfect time.  I am happy to be doing what I talked about for years...finally!  I am living my passion.  I look forward to an amazing 2010 - on all levels.

While I was googling 2009 year in review listings, several themes emerged for me:

• The economy, recession, housing crisis, bailouts, recovery, stimulus plans...and the polarity.  Crisis brings out the best and, unfortunately, the worst in people.  
• Power of Social Media in our lives:
  
  1. Twitter and the Iran Protests - Election
  2. Overall explosion of Twitter (News, TV personalities, Businesses...)
  3. Facebook has over 350 million active users
• We, as a collective culture, feed on the drama and the tragedy ...and the media loves to serve it up 24/7...
  
  1. Reality TV shows
  2. Octomom
  3. Jon & Kate plus 8
  4. Sarah Palin
  5. Bubble Boy
  6. Tiger Woods
  7. Ft Hood Massacre
  8. Michael Jackson
  9. .... just to highlight a few events and trends

How about a couple of positive highlights... from my perspective:

• Susan Boyle story was one for me.  Amazing, brilliant, uplifting, emotional, inspirational, a true wake-up call and lesson for us all to take that chance and to not let anything or anyone hold you back.  Over 100 million views on YouTube. Here's a link to the video on YouTube - embedding has been disabled.   Susan Boyle - Singer - Britains Got Talent 2009
  
  Her debut album is amazing... Get it! 
  I Dreamed A Dream
  
  From Billboard (12-23-09): "I Dreamed a Dream" has now sold a total of 2,465,000 copies and is the second-best selling album of 2009. Only Taylor Swift's "Fearless" -- with 2,933,000 sold -- is standing in its way. And with two weeks left in the 2009 tracking year, anything is possible.
  
  Check out this documentary - "Susan's story so far". 
  
  
  
  
  

• President Barrack Obama.  Wonder what our world would be like if we all focused on progress and took action steps TOWARD what we wanted rather than continue to spew or buy-in to the negativity, hate and criticism?  Change is only going to happen when we all decide to do something about it...not the politicians... the people.  I voted for and continue to support and believe in Obama's leadership.  I also know it is going to take time, patience and right action to get there.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Miracle on the Hudson.   Captain Chesley Sullenberger, known as "Sully," was the epitome of "Calm Under Extreme Pressure".   For the first time in 50 years of commercial jet flight, the pilots of US Airways Flight 1549 successfully executed one of the most technically challenging maneuvers, landing a jetliner on water without fatalities.
  
  Listen to his voice on this air traffic control tape and watch the animated recreation of the incident:
  
  

A look back at events of 2009 ... the highs, the lows, the in-betweens.

Time - The Top 10 Everything of 2009

Yahoo - 2009 Year in Review

And, finally, if you haven't seen this Annual Video yet from JibJab (the same people who bring you the Dancing Elves videos)....Enjoy:

How to Discover and Celebrate Your Success, Your Wins for the Past Year...Then Set Outcomes not Resolutions

FEATURED POST:  I updated this post on Celebrating your Success, originally posted 12-30-08, and wanted to re-publish it as we wind down on another year.  I am in the middle of fine-tuning my business plan and writing my goals for next year.  This exercise on acknowledging "what went well, your victories, your joys, your celebrations" is a powerful way to get you in the right mindset to finish your real estate business plan - including written goals and outcomes.  I encourage you to read the post, download the form and just do the exercise.  Celebrate Your Success!

As the year comes to a close, I want to pass on one of the most impactful exercises my former business coach had me do several years ago.  The purpose of the exercise was to conduct a review of the previous year by writing down every success, win, and positive thing that I experienced - both big and small.  So, I challenge all readers to Celebrate Your Successes! 

In my experience as a coach and manager, I have observed that most driven and success-minded individuals have a tendency to focus on what they haven't achieved yet.  They are always moving on to the next goal or challenge without stopping, however briefly, to acknowledge the victory or success of the moment. 

So, as you fine tune your goals and business plan for a successful next year, take some time to look back on the current/previous year with a focus on the positives.  Grab your journal or some paper or...

Use this Celebrate Your Successes PDF: Download CelebrateYourSuccesses

Just write it all down - stream of consciousness - no matter how seemingly insignificant.  Just write it down.  Once you start writing, you'll be surprised at how much you really have to celebrate!

• List all your accomplishments, wins, victories, successes in the past year.
• List all moment of joy and gratitude.
• What did you do last year that you were really proud of?
• What do other people in your life have to say about what you did, accomplished, contributed?
• What did you do last year that moved you toward your goals?
• What lessons did you gain from any setbacks, challenges or obstacles?
• How are your going to integrate any learnings in to your future goals and the coming year?

Now Set GOALS or OUTCOMES not Resolutions!

I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions.  Statistics show that most people never keep the resolutions they set for the new year.  The main reasons why they fail?  Lack of Commitment and Clarity.

For some thoughts on Clarity see this post:  Clarity of Purpose - Do You Have It?

Numerous surveys and research show the following as the Top 10 New Year's Resolutions:

1. Lose weight/Get in shape
2. Stick to a budget
3. Reduce Debt/Get out of debt
4. Enjoy more quality time with friends and family
5. Find my soul mate
6. Quit smoking
7. Find a better job/Make more money
8. Learn something new
9. Volunteer & help others
10. Get organized

You may, like me, look at this list and think "I want to accomplish several of these things this year!"  So instead of saying My New Year's Resolution is "x" - back it up with total commitment and clarity to ensure success this year. 

The critical steps to achieving your goals:

1. Identify clear, concise, SMART goals and know your WHY for each of them.
2. Write them down for all areas of your life (Personal, Financial, Business/Career, Relationships/Family, Spiritual)
3. Create Action Plans - break the goal down into steps and next actions.  Take action every day!
4. Measure and track your progress - you can't improve what you don't measure.
5. Celebrate your successes along the way - make any necessary course corrections.

Related posts on Goal Setting:

• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 1
• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 2
• 5 Principles of Success
• Download Keys-to-an-Achievable-Outcome.pdf  (Goals Template)

Pink Dragon Ladies Book - An Inspiring Chronicle of Life, Teamwork, Courage and Perseverance

I remember my sister, Loreen, sharing an amazing story of courage, teamwork and perseverance last year.  Loreen is a breast cancer survivor who  just got her 5 year checkup and is cancer-free!  In fact, my two other sisters and I just returned from a trip to NYC as she went through two grueling days of tests, scans, and more tests at the amazing Memorial Sloan-Kettering complex of facilities.  Loreen is a graduate of the General Seminary of the Episcopal Church and is now living in Tampa, FL about to work as a Chaplain at the Tampa VA hospital.  Check out her website and blog at www.FromPaintoPeace.com.

Loreen is a true inspiration and has a powerful transformational story to share herself.  She is focused on living in the moment, doing what she is passionate about and, as her doctor recently said, "Just live your life."    She is my hero.

When she moved to Tampa, Loreen got involved with the Pink Dragon Ladies  - a dragon boat paddling team consisting of breast cancer survivors, some of them still in active treatment .  The team competes in dragon boat races all over the country and last year, Canada.  In fact, the Windsor, Ontario competition and the amazing story behind it was the inspiration for the book "Paddling Against the Current: Chronicles of Cancer and Courage."  The book chronicles the team's victory race in Windsor through individual stories by the team members and is "dedicated to Carol Lee Banks (1952-2008) - passionate paddler, fearless leader, dedicated friend."

From the epilogue:

"As their beloved Carol Lee left the race venue that fateful Saturday afternoon in Windsor, Ontario, too tired to stay and watch the last race, each Pink Dragon Lady made a commitment to win that race as a gift to her.  What none of them realized, was that she was giving a gift to them.  Carol Lee, and their love for her, gave each Pink Dragon Lady a reason to dig deep, find that fire that burned in her belly, harness its power, and win against all odds.  It's a truth of dragon boating; it's a truth of cancer survivorship; it's a truth of life."

Visit the Pink Dragon Ladies blog to order this inspirational book.

Order online by making a $20 donation (free shipping and handling) per book. List "Book" under Donation Designation. (You can uncheck the box to make an additional donation to JustGive.org) Name, address, and email is required for order fulfillment.

Here is an excerpt from the book...Loreen's contribution:

"As the team stood in line to board our boat for the final race in Windsor Canada, several ladies looked at me and said, “Can you say a prayer for all of us?” They knew I had recently graduated from seminary.  I told them I was hesitant to pray with the whole team for I was not sure how that would be received, unsure of how people felt individually about prayer.  However, I told these ladies that I had just prayed silently for all of us as we lined up.  They were elated and a few of them with widened eyes and smiles on their faces said, “Me too.  I just prayed.”

I shared with them the prayer that I had just prayed: “God, I ask you to be with all of us now.  Please give us the strength, focus, and courage to give our all in this race. May we go beyond ourselves and our own limitations with your help.   Amen.”

We looked at each other with contentment and a sense of focus. We won that race and our division final in record time!  We went beyond what we thought we could do.  We did it together.  A flood of emotion and elation filled that boat as we crossed the finish line.  We had certainly not been alone during that race. We did it with God’s help and in the spirit of those team members who were too sick to be there with us.  As we got out of the boat, those same few ladies looked at me and said….”We did it.  Oh, the power of prayer, right!?”  Right.  What a blessing to be with this team who has such a strength of heart."

          

Pink Dragon Ladies Trailer from Amber Barrera on Vimeo.

Wakeup Call for Us All... the Susan Boyle Phenomenon

Did you catch the video of contestant Susan Boyle from Britain's Got Talent yet? 

Here is the link on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

If you haven't, do yourself a favor and take the 7:07 minutes to watch it all - amazing, brilliant, uplifting, emotional, a true wake-up call and lesson for us all to take that chance and to not let anything or anyone hold you back.

Notice the immediate and overwhelming positive reaction by the audience and judges when she begins to sing.  You can't help being moved watching it on the video - it's that impactful. Listen to the comments and feedback by Simon Cowell and the other judges.  Susan represents that everyman and woman - it struck a collective nerve.

I think we all really need and crave this type pf positive, viral, good news!  Which explains why this story has had so much world-wide press and views on YouTube (over 46 million views so far). We are all being bombarded daily with so much negativeness, stress, anxiety, bad news.  It's everywhere and unfortunately for many it is easy to perpetuate the negative mindset and get stuck in this trap.  Just watch the news, listen to people in your office, your clients, your friends and family members.  How often are we sharing positive news, stories and attitudes? 

I truly believe we can change this "global funk" one person at a time.  It starts with me and you. 

What are you doing today to move towards what you desire?

How are you making adjustment to your business plan and activities to take advantage of the opportunities in the market?

Have you embraced Short Sales yet - are you fully educated on the process and how you can benefit from adding this to your toolkit? Or are you talking about how terrible they are and whining about the reality of the market?

Have you signed up for the next Certified Short-Sale Professional designation course?  May 1st is SOLD Out - June 5th is the next date.
Visit Steve Kitnick's website at www.NevadaCE.com to register today.


Some of my strategies and daily decisions that help me maintain a positive mindset:

• Seek out positve, like-minded people
• Share good news - no gossip!
• Laugh more
• Exercise and eat as healthy as I can
• Read more - watch less TV (especially the news)
• Journal - write - blog
• Get outside and enjoy nature
• Listen to inspiring and uplifting music 

Here is a pretty interesting Slideshow I can across today on the Internet...

Economic Crisis Affects American Well Being

View more presentations from Taly Weiss.

10 Tips for Business Success in a Challenging Market & Down Economy

I first wrote and posted the following article on this Real Estate Coach Blog in November 2007.   I have updated the intro paragraph with my thoughts on the current real estate market in Las Vegas.  The 10 Tips to THRIVE are timeless however and easily adapted for any business owner.

Our current real estate market in Las Vegas (and around the country) continues to present an interesting test for all involved… from the buyers, to the sellers to the practicing real estate agents and also for the brokerage firms.  I’ve been living and working in Las Vegas since 1992 and last year was my first experience in a “challenging market”.   Fueled by local and national media with a slant to reporting the negative and “newsworthy” hype of doom and gloom,  many prospective buyers and sellers continue to stay out of the market.   For the second half of 2007, 70 to 80% of all residential closings in Las Vegas were bank-owned or short sale properties.   And real estate professionals are either thriving ( by adjusting and capitalizing on the opportunities), surviving, trying to adjust or in many cases just plain giving up. There are opportunties for those who are willing to make the necessary adjustments both in their action plan and MINDSET!

The following 10 points are my observations and best advice on how to Thrive (not just Survive) in Today’s market.

1. You ARE the Creator of your Reality. Check in with yourself often.  Are your thoughts positive or negative - towards or away from what you desire? Do you find yourself slipping into the negative muck and mire - from the media or the glass is half-empty people around you?  Be deliberate and intentional in your thoughts and actions.  Focus on what you want not on what you don’t want.
2. Educate yourself about the market, understand the stats and trends.  Become an expert in short sales, REO, loan modifications and the foreclosure process.  Make sure you are receiving current market data from local sources.  Know the inventory.
3. Improve and upgrade your qualifying, presentation and closing skills.  Learn how to better present the history and current real estate market story to your buyers and sellers.  Update your buyer and listing presentations with supporting graphs, statistics, etc.  Take sale-able, properly-priced listings!  Use all of your available company marketing and advertising tools. Practice, Practice, Practice your closing and qualifying skills.
4. Get back to the basics now.  Do you have a solid SOI/Referral system in place?  Are you prospecting  daily? Have you selected 3-5 target markets to concentrate on this year?
5. Have a written business plan with specific goals.  Track your expenditures and return on investment.   Know what’s working and what is not and make the appropriate adjustments.
6. Adopt a daily ritual to start your day in a positive mindset.  Some suggestions…morning meditation, prayer, exercise, read your affirmations, review your goals, eat breakfast, review your day’s tasks and schedule.
7. Exercise and eat properly for you.  I recommend yoga! 
8. Show up - Mentally, Physically, Emotionally and Spiritually.  Now more than ever it’s important to get up, do your morning mindset ritual, get dressed for success and go into the office or that first appointment.
9. Have a daily activity plan and work it - know how many calls, face-to-face contacts, emails, mailers, contacts you must make before you call it a day.  Challenge yourself with daily goals - don’t go home until you have at least one appointment for example.
10. Get an accountability partner or hire a coach. Ask for help.  Help each other.  Form a support and accountability group.

An Affirmation for the New Year….“SUCCESS IS MINE IN 2009!“

Five Agreement that Can Change Your Life

Here are 5 Agreements that if you truly comprehend, accept and live by can dramatically change your life!  The agreements are taken form 2 outstanding and highly recommended books:

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz 

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

1.    BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD. Speak with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.  Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2.    DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY.  Nothing others do is because of you.  What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream.  When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3.    DON’T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS.  Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.  Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama.  With just this one agreement you can completely change your life.

4.    ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST.  Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

5.    LIVE IN THE NOW.  You have ONE moment, this moment. The past is behind you, the future has not yet arrived. Presence is power. Be here. Still. The next moment is already on its way. The past doesn’t change. Put your attention on today, free yourself.

Celebrate Your Successes - Then Set Goals not Resolutions

As the year comes to a close, I want to pass on one of the most impactful exercises my former business coach had me do several years ago.  The purpose of the exercise was to conduct a review of the previous year by writing down every success, win, and positive thing that I experienced - both big and small.  So, I challenge all readers to Celebrate Your Successes! 

In my experience as a coach and manager, I have observed that most driven and success-minded individuals have a tendency to focus on what they haven't achieved yet.  They are always moving on to the next goal or challenge without stopping, however briefly, to acknowledge the victory or success of the moment. 

So, as you fine tune your goals and business plan for a successful next year, take some time to look back on the current/previous year with a focus on the positives.  Grab your journal or some paper or...

Use this Celebrate Your Successes PDF: Download CelebrateYourSuccesses

Just write it all down - stream of consciousness - no matter how seemingly insignificant.  Just write it down.  Once you start writing, you'll be surprised at how much you really have to celebrate!

• List all your accomplishments, wins, victories, successes in the past year.
• List all moment of joy and gratitude.
• What did you do last year that you were really proud of?
• What do other people in your life have to say about what you did, accomplished, contributed?
• What did you do last year that moved you toward your goals?
• What lessons did you gain from any setbacks, challenges or obstacles?
• How are your going to integrate any learnings in to your future goals and the coming year?

Now Set GOALS not Resolutions!

I am not a fan of New Year's Resolutions.  Statistics show that most people never keep the resolutions they set for the new year.  The main reasons why they fail?  Lack of Commitment and Clarity.

For some thoughts on Clarity see this post:  Clarity of Purpose - Do You Have It?

Numerous surveys and research show the following as the Top 10 New Year's Resolutions:

1. Lose weight/Get in shape
2. Stick to a budget
3. Reduce Debt/Get out of debt
4. Enjoy more quality time with friends and family
5. Find my soul mate
6. Quit smoking
7. Find a better job/Make more money
8. Learn something new
9. Volunteer & help others
10. Get organized

You may, like me, look at this list and think "I want to accomplish several of these things this year!"  So instead of saying My New Year's Resolution is "x" - back it up with total commitment and clarity to ensure success this year. 

The critical steps to achieving your goals:

1. Identify clear, concise, SMART goals and know your WHY for each of them.
2. Write them down for all areas of your life (Personal, Financial, Business/Career, Relationships/Family, Spiritual)
3. Create Action Plans - break the goal down into steps and next actions.  Take action every day!
4. Measure and track your progress - you can't improve what you don't measure.
5. Celebrate your successes along the way - make any necessary course corrections.

Related posts on Goal Setting:

• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 1
• How to Write Powerful Goals, Part 2
• 5 Principles of Success
• Download Keys-to-an-Achievable-Outcome.pdf  (Goals Template)