That one sentence defines why I have fallen, very madly I should point out, in love with the Real Estate Industry. I'll attempt to start at the end and end at the beginning. But before that path is ventured, it should be pointed out that I have been lucky & persistent enough to learn much about this world in 31 years of breathing this thing called oxygen. This is a world of Humanity, of Spirit, of Drama, and of Artificial Wealth. Quite frankly, I love the cons just as much as I want to side with the pros.
For all you sport fans, I'm not sure who said 'it' but my father taught me at 'it' at an early age. The old saying was, "You are only as good as your last game." Scary thought....right? Heck, that very thought turns me on spiritually. With one screw up, your business is dead to a lot of people. You don't have to be perfect, but you damn sure need to be ON.
So many hours are spent refining the search, combating the struggle, of life & business. One starts out a part of something and years later tries to re-create it as their own. It's akin to joining a company as a novice and trying to re-create and build it as a contribution because you know the cause is right.
I wrote something awhile back about what I would do if I lost my job tomorrow. Tell ya what, it still reigns true today. That post was tongue in cheek, yet I look around to find the loose nails for the hammer I'm about to head. Ladies & Gents, I'm in this for the long haul! I love this biz which makes me automatically hate certain things about it. That said, I know that one mistake may result in silence, cultural warfare, or total indifference. None the less, I like mistakes....they make us better.
In closing, I have done nothing more than remind myself that I don't have the proper discipline to fully tell a story. That's O.K. I still have the ability to link to a nice little song to complement my very 'less than stellar' prose and add a pic that helps break up the words that make the message unbearable without.
Simply put, I don't have a positive outlook on things because I'm naive. I have a positive outlook because my major in College was 'Succeeding' even when the odds are stacked and your pockets are packed. For lack of a better closing statement, adverbs SUCK!
Now, onto that song....
Jason..... have you been drinking again? I like the song. But I have a good idea where you were going with this. It's called passion for what you do. Hang in there bro.... or should I say, my date. lol Next time we are going to hang out longer.
Jason,
Let us hope you remain "naive" for it is often the difference between "can do" and "impossible!" Most of my major accomplishments were possible only because I was to Naive to know they were impossible.
All my life I've told people "don't tell me what can't be done tell me what I have to do to do it." I don't remember the first time but I've been doing the impossible since at least grade school, simply because I was to naive to believe those that said it couldn't be done.
The nay sayers are right, not one of them can do what the delightfully naive can.
Bill
PS: Glad to hear you and Jeff are dating. You can use the stability and he can use the passion. We're all going to have fun with the innuendo!
Sardi - Go to bed already:-)
Adam - LOL! You know, my Great Aunt visited my brother & I when we were
youngyounger and said to my mother, "My, your children are very interesting." I always kind of thought it was 'A Shot' of sorts, yet admired her diplomacy. One of these days, I'll make very clear exactly where I am going...or not;-)Belonger - Me? Drink? Ahhhhh, I think not. I quit all that. Besides, I've got promises to keep....words to reap....and miles upon miles to go before I sleep. Robert Frost had some brilliance behind those mad eyes. Next time, we should make an entire night of it. I kind of liked the first AR get together, even if I really am....a loner.
Bill - And wisdom reared its head and took shape as the face of Mr. Archambault. As far as Jeff & I dating, oh the visuals:-0
Laurie - And we are the 'Nike' of Real Estate I guess. Honestly, I came into this industry thinking that it was the Highway to Riches of sorts, 6+ years later...I'll continue to do it because I can help enhance the Quality of Somebody Else's Life...and my own. That has little to do with money and a whole heck of a lot to do with finding what makes you comfortable and happy.
Jennifer - I have heard about that parking thing, but being the innocent man that I am...have never experienced it live and in person;-) MWA back at ya!
*love-in-a-mist* (And how! Now that is fate Mr. Belonger:-)
Love what you do and do what you love is the advice I was given and it's served me well. Sure works better than if you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with!
Kim - Yes I have. I kept on with it for years before entering this Industry. While I will always have much respect for the guys and gals doing what I did after College, it wasn't for me on a long-term basis. I always try to tip well though.
Cynthia - That's good advice...the first sentence at least. I have always had curious reservations about that last sentence, the song, and whether I agreed or not. I believe I understand it, but don't necessarily buy into it.
Jason,
Great movie..Seen it many long drunken nights...but you should have played the part when the Stones played give me shelter and the Angels came in to watch the ruckus happen.
I saw the Rolling Stones in New Orleans many years ago. Ha, many, many years ago. If you don't have passion in this industry... at this time... you quit....
Yep you love this business...
Jason... There are many old sayings..... No Pain, No Gain.... If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.... You need the obstacles in life in order to enjoy the ecstasy of life..... Step out of your shelter and have some fun building a life with your Brown Eyed Girl. If you don't try, you will never know!
Hi Jason,
We love it, like a roller coaster sometimes but woudn't have it any other way! :)
Jason, Wondered about the pic as I was reading your post. Glad you answered that in your comment. So, what's this problem that you have with little 'adverbs?' What has an adverb ever done to you? OK, so maybe we shouldn't go there! I thought your post was quite clear. You have a passion and that is what's needed. But not only that, it is what shows through and will allow you to progress.
You're right about making a mistake. I'm very loyal when it comes to the people that I deal with in this business. The mortgage broker that I've been using is also a friend. We just had a deal this week and things were straightened out, but all I kept on hearing was that it was the processors fault. That didn't sit well with me, especially since this is the second time that I've heard this bs. There's more to the story, but... You can guess that I will not be using him for my first choice in the future.
Great choice with the Stones. Very true and it really brought back memories. Hope you have a great weekend!
Matt - Somehow, I don't think so.
Neal - Well heck man, show me the link!
Brian - Oh, you vulture you:-) Passion and care go along way....that's the beast in us all.
Missy - And you do as well, it shows!
Dan - How do I put this softly, succinctly, & without overt angst? You aren't going to be the best man at any wedding I have. Though, I find it fair & amusing if you were to be the ring bearer:-) And of course you would be invited as long as your mouth is harnessed with Duck Tape. None the less, I'm a ball against the wall....that's how I like to live for now.
Linda - Great...Superb...Wonderful...Fantastic...Freaking 'Friggin' A.....I miss the Carnac and You! As far as the 'Generational Thing', you are right. But somehow, some way, I think you would/will understand. I could be wrong and if you decide that Carnac must include this guy....take it easy on little old me or at least let me give you food for thought on how to rip my ego apart:-)
Suzanne - I get motion sickness, ya know?
Maggie - Sometimes the comments are better than the post, sometimes the post is so well put it can stand in of itself. In this case, I think neither happened. The title was good, the post....average at best. By the way, I like the hat. Do you have one in, er, Sardi-Size?
Dan - I have done much soul searching in what I want to accomplish here and how Google may not only recognize, but solidify my name with the Cyber-Masses. That being said, tags are key for proper SEO feedback & placement. I'd rather confuse the (....) well, they aren't economically efficient right now but I like reading that list to the East.
My youngest (14) last night was telling us over dinner how he took this "what do you want to be when you grow up" quiz at school recently. The guidance counselors have all the Freshmen do this so they can complete their high school 4 year plan. Anyway, he said there were two that stood out...one career that makes a lot of money but takes 8 years of education and sacrifice...another that makes less money but would most likely prove to be more interesting...
My husband and I both simultaneously said..."It's not about the money...do what you will love doing every day!"
Why and I writing this? Because if you don't love what you do, you'll never have a good "game" at all...know what I mean?
Marc - Clearly, you don't have a clue of why adverbs disturb me so much. Off-hand, I don't know why they disturb me so much either. They just do.
The processor's fault? I love that one. Interesting, I had a similiar thing happen this week. I will say this on that, everyone makes mistakes. I know, I'm Master of the Obvious. Passing blame is a short-cut to thinking in my world. Processors fault or not, correct it and move on...I hope your friend reads these words and I hope to continue to practice what I preach. You have a good weekend too!
Jason - As you know, Carnac is always open for suggestions. AND he is generally not mean spirited and goes easy on those he likes, which includes you of course. :-)
Jason... Think you misunderstood my question on tags.... Was wondering why something silly like "are you kidding me with these tags" did not show up on the list but with a little reflection I think I see the answer. If you use enough foolishness then the one time tags are dropped, Right?
As for the Duct Tape I am self-censored and always try to live everyday being the Best Man.
Linda - Never go easy on me....I learn very slow that way:-)
Dan - This is public right? O.K. Cool! I don't give a crap about Tags, that's blunt honesty. The best thing about Tags is being able to use them creatively. And for the record, I haven't and will probably never agree with you in total, but I do like you man. For what it is worth...
Marc - The hypocritical thing is, I use them all the time in my verbal speech! UGH!!
HO HO HO