Living Well with Kevin Bungert

5 Minute Motivation- 3 Lessons Learned at CYO Basketball!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:03:55 -0500

3 lessons I was reminded of while coaching Kev Jr's BB team! Enjoy!

You're Gonna Free Who? Ya Know, They'll Shoot You In The Head For That!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:15:54 -0600

One of the biggest obstacles I continually see with my clients is that they have a hard time getting past the negative comments from people who supposedly love and support them. To improve our lives and reach our goals we MUST turn a deaf ear to the naysayers.

It got me thinking what some of the most amazing success stories must have heard in their lives!

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS- Are you insane? You're gonna fall off the face of the earth! There's nothing on the other side of that ocean!

GEORGE WASHINGTON- You guys are gonna fight the British empire? It's not so bad like this, why not just accept it?

LEWIS AND CLARK- You're gonna get lost! Or eaten by a bear! Why bother, what could possibly be out there?

ABRAHAM LINCOLN- You're gonna free who? Ya Know, they'll shoot you in the head for that!

THOMAS EDISON- Why are you gonna keep trying, it's failed over a thousand times! What's wrong with candles anyway?

THE WRIGHT BROTHERS- If man were meant to fly, he would have been born with wings! Besides, how far could you actually go in one of those "Air-O-Plane" things anyway?

FDR- You can't be President, you had Polio, you're paralyzed! And even if we can keep that secret from the public, how could you actually get around and do the job?

CHUCK YEAGER- How fast do you want to go? It's impossible, you're head will explode before you hit Mach 1!

DANNY THOMAS- You want to build a what? Do you know how much a children's hospital will cost? Even if you get it built, who's gonna pay to keep it going? For what, to help a couple of sick kids?

ELVIS PRESLEY- You better stop moving like that, boy! Don't you know that Rock n Roll is the Devil's music?

NASA- HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA! HA!

MOTHER THERESA- You're only one person. You can't help them all you know! Why not just leave it to the Government to help these kids?

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.- Martin, why don't you turn it down a little bit? We've made a little progress, why don't you stop now? If you keep pushing so hard, you know they're gonna kill you, right?

OPRAH- I'm sorry sweetie, overweight black women don't get their own talk shows! Why do you need a magazine when you have a perfectly good TV show? A leadership school in Africa for girls, why?

DANNY DEVITO- You're kidding right? Oh! You're serious? How tall are you?

STEVE BUSCEMI- You're not the type we're looking for, but if we write in a serial killer, maybe we'll call you! I don't mean to be rude, but shouldn't get some work done on your teeth?

BARACK OBAMA- But you're only the junior Senator from Illinois! You're only 47! This country isn't ready for an African American President! You're name is BARACK OBAMA!

When you're thinking about moving forward in your business and your life, you'll ALWAYS run up against naysayers. But think about how badly you want to make a change, and turn a deaf ear! And if you ever need a little more support, think back to the successful people in this world and remember what they must have had to listen to, but each one chose to not listen and do what was in their hearts! I hope we can do the same! All the best!

Kevin

How Beautiful Is This?

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 22:24:59 -0600

There is sadness in this world, but leave it to a little girl to show the beauty also!

5 Minute Motivation- "The Secret" is TAKING ACTION!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:15:15 -0600

Quick discussion of the single most important skill to improving our businesses, TAKING ACTION!

5 Minute Motivation- I Have A Decided Heart!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:36:22 -0600

A quick discussion of one of Andy Andrews' 7 principles for personal success!

5 Minute Motivation- Putting Yourself First!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:48:45 -0600

A quick discussion of taking care of yourself and lowering your stress level! All the best!

5 Minute Motivation- "The Travelers Gift" by Andy Andrews

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:02:13 -0600

A quick discussion of Andy Andrews' wonderful book, "The Travelers Gift." Enjoy! -Kevin

5 Minute Motivation- Who Cares What "They" Say?

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:03:03 -0600

One of the hardest obstacles we must overcome to make our dreams happen, is to not worry what someone else might say or think. All the best! -Kevin

5 Minute Motivation- Finding What Works for YOU!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:55:50 -0600

In our businesses and our lives, it is absolutely necessary for us to find which systems work for us! Not every system works for everyone, but it is up to us to find which ones do work for us! All the best until next time! -Kevin

5 Minute Motivation- Staying Positive and Believing in Yourself!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:56:05 -0600

In these difficult times, it's becoming harder and harder to stay positive. But I believe it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY if we are to make positive changes in our lives. So hang in there and keep at it! All the best until next time! -Kevin

5 Minute Motivation- Courage and Persistence!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:25:49 -0600

Following our dreams and achieving our goals takes many strengths, two of them are Courage and Persistence! All the best until next time! -Kevin

What are the two most dangerous words you could utter?

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:04:48 -0600

That's an easy one! "How's Business?" Go ahead try it! If you've been experiencing the same thing I have for the last couple of weeks, people are SICK AND TIRED OF TALKING ABOUT HOW BAD THE ECONOMY IS! And it's not just lip service, people are actually getting really angry over all the discussion of how bad it is out there. Some of the reactions I've seen are just frightening! People are just getting fed up with all the talk!

I think that's a good sign. In this country once people get really pissed off about something, things begin to change! Just look at the last presidential election! When people are sick of talking about something, the next step becomes ACTION! AND AS JIM ROHN SAYS "ACTION IS WHERE THE MIRACLES TAKE PLACE!"

I for one, am glad to see people tired of talking. I know people are going to put their heads down and get back to working harder. Times like these are requiring all of us to go back to the basics. Working hard, spending LESS than we earn, and saving a little bit for the future. I have to say, it feels pretty good already!

If you're sick of talking and hearing about how bad it is out there, there's only one really good answer, stop doing it, stop listening to it and go back to work. That's what I'm going to do. I'm not going to engage in any more conversations about the bad economy. I'm going to move on! So if you'll excuse me, I HAVE A MAILING I HAVE TO GET OUT! All the best until next time!

Kevin

5 Minute Motivation- Self Forgiveness

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:39:13 -0600

One of the hardest things we must overcome to improve our lives and our businesses is to learn to forgive OURSELVES for our past mistakes. All the best until next time!

Do you REALLY know?

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:27:07 -0600

After reading a post here on AR about website traffic, it got me thinking about the TRUE lead source of all real estate transactions. Do you know EXACTLY WHERE ALL YOUR LEADS CAME FROM THAT TURNED INTO A CLOSED TRANSACTION?

To be your most successful, it's very important to know where your business is really coming from. In my coaching business, I can tell you exactly how every single client came to work with me. When I sign up with a new client, in their folder is a line for lead source. I write in there if it was a refferal from an existing client, did they call on one of my mailings, did they call after a presentation at their office or whatever the case may be. It shows me exaclty which systems are being succesful for me. This is such valuable information in our businesses, it tells me which systems are working and therefore I know where to put my energy and resources to create future business.

How about your transactions? Do you know where ALL your leads came from? Do you know which system produces your best results? Do you know exactly what is working for your business? If you do, great! But if you sort of have an idea, maybe a little research is in order. If you take the time to find out exactly what's working for you, you'll be in better shape heading into the future.

All the best until next time!

Kevin

P.S. If you know where all your leads came from, I'd love to hear how your business breaks down. What's working best for you?

Talk is cheap! Oh, Really?

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 09:25:57 -0600

I think we all can agree that these economic times are the worst we have ever seen in most of our life times. There is bad news everywhere we turn. I would dare to say most of our lives have changed in some way. Whether it be by less income or by the loss of a job, we are feeling the pinch in some way.

I'm sure there are members who are even in much worse states because of the economic downturn, possibly a dramatic change in lifestyle and spending habits, to a loss of an automobile, to a large portion of a retirement account dissappearing and possibly even some facing a housing problem. To be sure, these are VERY serious issues and I do not want to make light of anyone's hardships!

However, I can't help but keep thinking that of course it will get better. Everything is cyclical and I mean EVERYTHING! The economy will recover and America will put itself back to work! Now, if your in one of the forementioned tough economic situations, you may think this doesn't really help you in anyway. Talk is cheap and your mortgage is expensive! I know, so is mine!

However, in the beginning of a comeback all we have is talk! At the beginning of a comeback, we REALLY need some good talk! Heck, we elected a President recently based on just good talk! It wasn't because of his overflowing resume! At the beginning of a comeback, we need good talk to get us going again! And good talk can get us started to achieve unbelievable results!. Remember John Kennedy's speech about putting a man on the moon and Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream!" speech?

If you're business and your life have been seriously affected by this economic downturn, start your comeback by turning off the news and turn on the right type of talk! Read GARY WOLTAL's blog everyday! Break out your old BRIAN BUFFINI conference call tapes! Read TONY ROBBIN's "Awaken the Giant Within." Read "Fearless Living" by RHONDA BRITTEN. Read "The Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by GARY KELLER. Buy JIM ROHN"s full collection of cd's and start to listen to him! Start your comeback by listening to the right messages!

If you're one of the millions of Americans who is struggling right now, you really only have ONE choice, to go back to the basics and start again. And the best way to do that is to say "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" and to begin your comeback by listening to the right messages! TURN OFF THE TV AT NIGHT and get back to doing what made you successful in the first place, and if you need to hear the right message everyday, READ ALL THE BLOGS YOU NEED TO RIGHT HERE ON ACTIVERAIN! I guarantee if you do these two things everyday, your mind will forever be grateful! And so will your bank account! All the best until next time!

Kevin

I've Missed You!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:23:20 -0600

It's been 5 months since my last post. I cannot believe it! My last two posts dealt with the loss of Randy Pausch and I think I got into a little funk over that. Then the holidays came and you know how that is. I have absolutely missed all my friends that I have made here, I'm glad to be back and talking with you again.

So let's get right back to it! At the beginning of a new year, it is expected to set new goals and to begin dreaming again. I have NEVER done this before, but I am claiming 2009 as my best year ever! I am writing in my journal every day that 2009 is going to be my best year yet! I am following this up with my list of what I need to do to MAKE this my best year ever. My list states

1. I must write everything down in my journal.

2. I must run as much as possible.

3. I must eat healthier.

4. I must work harder.

5. I must take risks.

6. I must not be afraid.

7. I must seek out people to help me achieve my goals.

8. I must read about and study successful people.

These are the things I must consistently do to make 2009 my best year ever. Now, I had some VERY good years in my life, so to be my best year ever, I MUST stick to my list and keep at it all year long. I'm sure I'll write future posts about my process.

How about you? What do you need to do to make 2009 your best year ever? Will you take up this challenge and make your own list? I sure hope so, because the only way to make our lives better is to proactively try to! For you, I hope 2009 is filled with health, happiness and more transactions! It's the start of a new year, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Go get yours!

All the best my friends,

Kevin Bungert

Thank You Randy Pausch

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 21:20:20 -0500

I just found out tonight that Randy Pausch passed away on Friday. I, like everyone else, am truly saddened. Randy gave all of us a unbelievably special gift. His last lecture and subsequent book, showed us that life is meant to be lived. Life is meant to be lived a certain way, with goals and dreams. We all are only given a certain amount of time on this big rock, and Randy truly understood this.

In sharing his very difficult circumstances, Randy gave us all the intimate thoughts that must come to us all when we will be faced with our mortality. Thank you Randy for sharing with us. It was truly selfless. I will never forget you, and all the lessons that you reminded me to keep in my life.

This Friday, I took my daughter to The Jonas Brothers concert at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania. While my daughter and her friend Amanda enjoyed the concert, my wife and I took my son and his friend Peter into the park. As is our custom, we made some time to play the ring toss game. We were lucky enough to win a giant stuffed Hershey Park bear. As I carried our giant bear throughout that park that night, I thought to myself about Randy a hundred times. I did not know he had passed away.

As Randy was many times, I was the coolest guy in the park because of my big bear. Thank you Randy for all you have given this world and all that you have given to me personally. I will always try to do my best to continue to live my life, and enjoy whatever time I have left with my family and friends. It is the best way I can honor your memory and I intend to do just that.

My prayers are with Jai and your children, and Thank you Randy, may you rest in peace!

Respectfully,

Kevin Bungert

The Last Lecture- Randy Pausch

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:06:27 -0500

I'm sure you have seen the video of Randy Pausch's last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University. If you haven't, IT IS A MUST SEE! You can view his lecture at www.thelastlecture.com.

Randy was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer at the age of 46. But his last lecture was not about cancer or the possibility of his passing, his lecture focused on his childhood dreams that he has accomplished and the lessons he has learned along the way, and also rules that he tried to live by and instill in his students.

It is one of the most interesting stories I have ever come across. And Randy's story became a huge media event last year, both on the Internet and TV.

Randy has now followed up his last lecture with a companion book. I just finished reading it and I whole heartedly recommend it! In the first part of the book, he goes over his life, getting his diagnosis and then the weeks leading up to his last lecture. Randy then tells us about his last lecture once again.

In the second half of his book he shares stories from his life both as a teacher and a father. Each story comes with a lesson, every one is a gem!

I won't go into great detail about all that I got from Randy's lecture and book, but I will tell you that I am firm believer in exactly what Randy talks about when it comes to REALLY LIVING OUR LIVES! The one thing I always try to impress on my children and any one else who will listen to me, is that we have one chance at this life, we don't get a do-over, there is no re-set button. And in that understanding, we must then choose to LIVE OUR LIVES!

Because of Randy's tremendous courage, we are able to receive this message one more time from a very important teacher. Randy's ordeal is horrific, but he has chosen once again to continue teaching and passing on his wisdom. The video of Randy's last lecture is A MUST SEE and his companion book is A MUST READ! Run out and buy Randy's book today, YOU WILL NEVER find another book with as many life lessons as this one! All the best until next time!

Kevin Bungert

Long Island Homes Show A Summer Rebound

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:17:36 -0500

Here on Long Island, the median sales price for closings in May 2008 was the lowest in four years. However this June, sales figures for Long Island and Queens rose 4.2% to a median sales price of $415,000.

As I read this report in Newsday, I thought two things pretty quickly. First, I asked myself how much of this increase was just the natural bump up from the spring market with homeowners wanting to be in their houses by summer?

Next, I thought, it is REALLY good to see some ACCURATE GOOD NEWS in the media. There is so much bad news lately, it gets overwhelming. I will be very interested to see what the next few months show here on Long Island, will we continue to come back from the brink, or is this bump up a one month move? Only time will tell!

What is happening in your marketplace right this moment? What do your June 2008 figures show? Do you think you have seen the bottom yet? I would be very interested in your marketplace figures! Please share when you can! All the best until next time!

Kevin Bungert

Define Your Purpose- Real Estate Edition

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:58:36 -0500

Over the last couple of months I've written a series of posts about 12 ideas that I use in my coaching business to help clients improve any problem area in their lives. You can download a copy of my e-book of these 12 steps by visiting my website at www.kevinbungert.com.

Today I would like to start a series about these 12 steps and how they directly relate to improving your real estate business.

Step #1 is to DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE. With regards to improving your real estate career, defining your purpose comes down to one simple question, Am I committed to my career in real estate?

In my 10 years of owning and managing 2 real estate offices, I have seen all levels of commitment to an agents business.

Some agents took their businesses very seriously and worked extremely hard and were very successful. Others were sort of serious, but many things kept them from really achieving their goals, and then there were the agents who just needed to tell their spouse that they were going to work.

Every agents commitment to their real estate career is their own business, I'm not here to judge anyone. But what I would like to suggest is that if you NEED TO MAKE MORE MONEY IN REAL ESTATE, then start with looking at your commitment to your business. Which of the above three scenarios is yours?

If you have decided to stay in this tough business during these tough times and want a better business, than your commitment needs to be turned up a notch. If you have decided to continue to make real estate your primary career, than you must do the hard work. And it is hard!

I work with many agents and at some point in our coaching, I always have to say, "You have decided to be in this business, so this is what you need to do to make it better." Having a good business and a better quality of life begins with the level of actual commitment to that business. After that, it's all about doing the work.

But before anything else, if you want to improve your real estate career, question your commitment to it! Not because I say so or your manager wants you too, and not even because your spouse wants you too, question your level of commitment to your business for YOUR OWN sake. Ask yourself what YOU really want to accomplish in real estate? Ask yourself what YOU want your business to provide for yourself and your family? Ask yourself are YOU willing to do the hard work to make all this happen?

And when YOU answer yes, then you're well on your way to improving your business and making more money for yourself and your family! And that begins with being honest with ourselves about our efforts in the past. But that's step #2, and I'll share more about that with you next time! All the best until then!

Kevin Bungert

Jason Todd- You Need This Guy On Your Side!

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:06:17 -0500

A couple of months ago, Katie Graham gave me a lead to a young man who designs blogs and websites for Realtors and other service professionals. I'm so glad she did!

After talking with Jason and sharing with him my ideas, we decided to start working together. It is one of the best decisions that I have made for my business.

If you are like me, you may have many talents, but being tech savvy is not one of them. I can get done what I need to and I can learn pretty much anything, but it is great to be working with someone who is completely versed in the latest technologies and completely in touch with that industry.

Jason has given my blog a great new look and we are launching my new website for my coaching business later on this evening. Based on an idea of Jason's we are also launching a "Living Well" channel on YouTube.

In additon, we are trying something completely new and building an entire social networking site for my business and "Living Well" concepts. I told Jason that in a year from today, EVERY top producer will have his or her own networking site for their business and ideas. It is the next evolutionary step of the world wide web!

If you want to generate more leads for your business, talk with Jason. Let him give you some ideas for a new and sharper look for your blog and website. Talk with him about the advantages of a networking site for all your real estate business and be THE leader in your marketplace!

You can contact Jason by checking out his website at www.realagentblogs.typepad.com. If you want someone who shares great ideas for your business and has the talent to make you look good, Jason is your guy! All the best until next time!

Kevin Bungert

P.S. If you would like to see Jason's work that he has done for me, please check out my new website later on tonight at www.KevinBungert.com.

These Difficult Times Absolutely Require Hope and Perserverance

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 20:57:14 -0500

I was on line with my son last Sunday at Splish Splash, waiting our turn like all the other patrons and I started talking with another Dad waiting behind me. The usual small talk and of course we came around to the economy. He stated he was in the restaurant business here on Long Island and business was not good. He said the difference between today and 2 years ago was dramatic. His business was suffering.

A couple of days ago, I went into my local Deli to order a platter of wraps for my daughters graduation party from middle school. I've been going to this Deli for 17 years and I know George, the owner, pretty well. Once again we started talking and the conversation turned to our businesses and the economy. George said he recently canceled some work at his house because he just didn't have the extra money. Things are definitely slower at his Deli.

This morning after having a wonderful graduation party for my daughter Lindsay and her friends, one of the Dads came to pick up his daughter from the sleep over and we started our normal small talk. Gerard apologized for being a little late because he had to go into his business and do a little work. He and his wife own a gift basket business and they do about 3 million in sales a year, but he is worried. He said he sees the business slowing down dramatically, actually he said his business was down 30%. He was worried because if this trend continues they could be off 1 million dollars this year. They have laid off workers and had to cut their own salaries. He really seemed concerned.

Every where I go, the conversations are all the same. Times are really getting scary. But, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. I'm sure you are having the exact same conversations in your daily life. Maybe your business is also off from the previous few years. You also know it's getting scary out there.

After all these encounters I always think the same thing. We all need to hang on and keep our heads in the game. We all need to keep working hard and go back to the basics. We all need to know that, just like things don't always continue to go up, they also don't always continue to go down. The scary times will end. They always do. Yes, it will be very difficult during the downturn, but it will eventually come to an end. And it is up to each of us to stay positive, keep working hard, go back to the basics of our lead generation systems and stay in the game.

As I was thinking about these recent conversations I've been having, and realizing that people need hope now more than ever, I saw a report on 60 Minutes tonight that brought my spirits up. It was a repeat and I had seen it before, but tonight I caught something I didn't really catch last time.

Steve Kroft was doing a report on Will Smith. Will right now is the HIGHEST paid movie star on the planet. He has the golden touch at the moment. He has tons of money, a beautiful and talented wife, gorgeous and talented children, a career he loves, beautiful homes and all the other "stuff."

But he has seen his hard times also. He had a hit record while still in High School and made over 5 million dollars in 2 years. But he didn't pay all his taxes on that income, he spent it instead. Before he was 20 years old the IRS came and took ALL his stuff. He owed them 2.8 million dollars. When they came for their money, he said he had $2.83!

He persevered though, he moved to Hollywood and landed the Fresh Prince of Bel-Aire gig. For the first 3 years of that show, the IRS took 75% of his paycheck. It took 3 years to pay them off, but he did. It didn't happen overnight, but it did happen! When life got very difficult for Will Smith, he went back to work, worked hard, stayed positive and survived the onslaught! And look at him today!

And he's not the only story like that, did you know that Oprah was demoted to the lowest rung of the ladder in the local news business? She was demoted to local field reporter of her first TV station. Do you think she gave up?

12 years ago, Rachel Ray was working 80 hours a week in a restaurant in NYC for someone else. When she couldn't get anyone to take her 30 minute meals idea seriously, she made the videos herself. How did that work out for her?

The point is, everyone faces tough times, even the biggest of the big. We are all facing tough times right now. All of our situations are unique, but yet they are similar too! There is only one way to survive the tough times. Go back to the basics of your business, work hard, never give up, stay positive and KNOW that every cycle eventually turns the other way.

And on those really tough days when you need hope to keep you going, think of Will Smith owing the IRS 2.8 million dollars and coming out of it. Think of Oprah trudging around Chicago doing silly local news stories but ending up where she has. Or think of Rachel Ray persevering 80 hour work weeks in a NYC restaurant, but still dreaming her big dreams.

Or find a story of your own. Every success story has a beginning. And every story has tough times. It's part of the process. We must ALL go through it. We are going through it right now. But that doesn't mean these times will last forever, because they won't. It is up to us to stay focused, work hard and keep believing in our dreams, just like Will, Oprah and Rachel!

All the best until next time,

Kevin Bungert

12 Steps To Living Well-Step #1 Define Your Purpose

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:33:51 -0500

Over the years I have developed 12 steps that I use in my coaching business to help people improve the problem areas of their lives. I would like to share these 12 ideas with you today and I will write a post about each individual step over the next couple of weeks.

1. Define your purpose.

2. Be honest with yourself.

3. Define your short term goals.

4. Believe in yourself and stay positive.

5. Learn new information

6. Make different choices.

7. Take action.

8. Re-program your negative self talk.

9. Make new associations.

10. Refine-continually try to improve.

11. Help others.

12. Don't be afraid.

Step #1, DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE, when I mention this step in my seminars, people always look at me a little weird. Define your purpose? Who talks like that? What the hell does that mean? I just came in for the free coffee and donuts! And you want me to define my purpose in life?

Yes I do! I ACTUALLY want you to think about your purpose in this life. What are you trying to accomplish? What do you want to be remembered for? By whom do you want to be remembered by? What would you like to achieve? Who would you like to help?

Now I know this is pretty serious stuff for a warm Wednesday evening, but if you never actually think about these things, you'll probably never get where you REALLY want to go. Setting your sights on what you really would like to achieve is the first step in getting it done.

Have you ever reached a significant goal in your life without first deciding that you wanted to accomplish it? I never have and I've never seen anyone else do it either. All the significant and life changing goals I have reached in my life, I first decided that I wanted them to happen. What about you? Think back, have you ever stumbled upon something really worthwhile? I doubt it!

All significant life changes and goals, begin at the same place, with a decision by you to make something happen in your life. Whether it be in real estate, or your health or in your relationships, you MUST first decide what it is you would like to accomplish and you must be able to communicate it to yourself and anyone else you would like to share it with.

DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE, what is it that you REALLY want to accomplish in life, in your business, with regards to your health, with regards to your family and friends? Can you define the things in your life that you want to accomplish? If not, take this opportunity today and try this challenge. Go somewhere quiet, bring a pen and your journal and start to write down EXACTLY what you would love to see happen in your life, in every area of your life.

Don't be afraid! It's okay to think like this, we're allowed to want more in our lives, even if our lives are ALREADY great, there is ALWAYS another level of achievement for us, just look at Oprah, she is always reaching and striving for more and because she can DEFINE what she wants, she can make it happen.

I hope you take the time and do this exercise, it is the first step in ANY significant life change. Start to practice taking some quiet time for yourself and begin to think what YOU want out of this life. Because we only get one chance, there are no "Do Overs". Start living your life more fully today! All the best until next time!

Kevin Bungert

Life Lessons from Larkfield Little League

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:22:28 -0500

I coach my son's little league team and unfortunately we are not very good. I guess the draft Gods were not looking down upon us. The kids are 9 and 10 year olds, and they really are a blast to coach.

In trying to keep them in as many games as possible and trying to teach them a little about baseball too, I find myself telling them the same things over and over and over again. I constantly tell them when there up at bat, "to have a good eye first, then swing hard at the good ones." When they're out in the field, I'm always telling them, "to be ready on every pitch because it could be coming to you." And whether I'm encouraging our pitcher or one of our hitters, I also yell "Keep fighting, stay in the game!"

I've said these things hundreds of times during our season, I was thinking about it last night for some reason, and then my thoughts turned to my coaching business and real estate. I started to think how these comments really could be related to our industry.

When I say, "have a good eye first, then swing hard at the good ones," I could easily be talking about prospecting. There are so many systems in this business that you can use, but NO ONE can use them all. So it is up to each agent to look at all the systems available, and then decide which ones they believe are right for them. "Have a good eye first" Then once you have decided which systems you are going to use to generate leads for your business, the next part is to "Swing hard at the good ones." That means to really go after business by actually using the chosen systems. Take your cuts, put your systems in place and let it rip!

The one thing I really hope I can teach my boys by the end of the season, is to be ready on every pitch. That's REALLY hard for 9 and 10 year olds during a 3 hour game. There's dirt to play with, there's hats and gloves to thrown in the air, there's other games to watch and there are clouds and birds to discover!

Being ready on every pitch in a baseball game is the same as being ready for business every day. We never know exactly when our leads are going to come to us, but it is extremely important for us to be ready for it every day. We need to be dressed for work every day that we are working. We need to have all our tools and forms ready every day. We must have our name badges on and business cards in hand. We do not know if we are going to get a lead today, but we must be ready every day because a lead could be hit to us on any pitch!

I am going to brag a little bit now, almost every time I tell one of my boys who is having a good at bat or our pitcher who is battling with a hitter, to "Keep Fighting and stay in the game," they ALWAYS turn and look at me and give me the best tough guy look a 9 year old can give, and more times than not, he gets on base or the pitcher gets an out. Telling a 9 year old to "Keep Fighting" really works!

In this very difficult market, I would like to tell you the same thing. If you have decided to stay in real estate and have committed to having a good business, KEEP FIGHTING AND STAY IN THE GAME! There really isn't any other viable alternative. If you have searched your soul, spoken with your significant other and talked with your company's representatives and have decided to stay in the game, then keep fighting!

Go back to the basics, start again. Pare down your database to your best people. Contact them. Ask for referrals. Begin to distinguish yourself from all the other local agents. BRAND YOURSELF! Start a personal marketing campaign. Revisit your systems for expired's and FSBO's. Whatever your obstacles are for improving your business, you must figure out the answers! Plain and simple, KEEP FIGHTING AND STAY IN THE GAME!

Because if you do these things, your business will get better, maybe not overnight, but definitely in the very near future. So the next time your watching a little league game, listen to the advice being given to the little ones, there may be a lesson or two for me and you! All the best until next time!

Kevin Bungert

My Biggest Problem.

Kevin Bungert (ReMax Professional Group) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 22:20:51 -0500

I was talking with a client last week, and I was suggesting that she needed to be more consistent with her lead generation systems and with the ideas we were kicking around. She then went on to tell me that being consistent was her biggest problem.

I told her that I understand how hard it is to be truly consistent, but if she really wanted her business and her life to get better she would have to ask herself some VERY HARD QUESTIONS! Such as, why wasn't she consistent? What prevents her from being consistent? Where did this problem come from? Has it always been a problem? Has she tried to improve her consistency before? She knows that I am always just trying to help her and she took this line of questioning very well. And I'm very happy to report that in only a weeks time, she has really turned it up a notch and got some very important issues taken care of!

But in speaking with her, it got me thinking about my own life. What was my biggest problem? What issues do I have that have held me back? Where am I lacking in my efforts to achieve my goals? I have asked myself these questions and I would like to share my answers with you.

As an adult I think my biggest problem that has held me back from achieving more in my life is that I don't work as hard as I should. My work ethic is not as good as it should be. I don't think most people would admit that in a public forum. I have worked extremely hard in my life AT CERTAIN TIMES! THAT'S THE PROBLEM. I work very hard when I am interested in something and nobody can out work me when I'm in that mode. And that's how I've been able to be pretty successful. But the problem arises when I lose interest in a project, then I decide not to work that hard at it anymore. I'm a starter, not a manager or a finisher.

I think this problem comes from the fact that for the first 30 years of my life, everything came pretty easy to me. I was a very good athlete as a young person, I got good grades in school without trying too hard, I was voted Best Looking and Best Body in my Senior Year in High School, I was captain of the varsity Basketball team, I was lucky enough to date the prettiest girls I could find, I always seem to make money relatively easy, the truth is, I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK THAT HARD!

Now before you say, "Ah, poor baby, you had it so hard!" (Sarcastically of course.) My early life shaped who I became. And who I became was a guy who didn't work as hard as he should because he was taught by life that he didn't have to. But by the age of 35, life taught me a new lesson.

I learned that life really only rewards hard work, you can only skate by by charm and good looks for so long. At some point we are all asked to deliver the goods. At some point in our lives, and it is a different time for all of us, we must put up or shut up! I did not know this 10 years ago, I was still cruising along clueless to what life really demands from us.

After several hard years both professionally and personally, I have learned this lesson. It was a lesson that cost me over one hundred thousand dollars to learn. It was a lesson that I learned by almost having a failed marriage. It was a lesson I learned during many, many sleepless nights. But it is a lesson I've learned that I am now grateful for. I now know that at some point in life, everyone must put their head down and work very hard for the things they want in life. I have learned my lesson!

Why am I sharing with you my biggest fault? Two reasons, first I believe to make MY life better I must be completely honest with myself, that includes acknowledging my weaknesses and well as my strengths. And secondly and more importantly, I hope my story will help you make YOUR life better. I hope you read this post and learn the lesson I had to learn without the actual pain. It's very smart to learn from other people's mistakes, it hurts less!

It's okay to fail, we all have and we all will. The key is to ACTUALLY LEARN THE LESSON AND DON"T REPEAT IT! I have actually learned my lesson, and I'm WORKING VERY HARD NOT TO REPEAT IT! Both figuratively and actually!

What's your biggest problem? What has been holding you back? Where did your problem come from? I hope you'll ask yourself these questions and answer them honestly. Making your life better can only begin when we decide to be brutally honest with ourselves, yes of course it will be uncomfortable, it will be scary and it may even be extremely painful. But the acceptance of your life as it is, with successes as well as failures, is the only true way to move forward to all your goals!

At least you don't have to write a blog about it, unless of course you think it might help me, then I would love to hear your story! All the best until next time!

Kevin Bungert