"Do The Hard Thing"...These are the words echoed by my son's high school football coach.  When faced with choices in life the hard one is typically the right one.  I started to think of how many ways this was true.

Eating healthy:  Boy, this is a hard thing; especially when it is more expensive, and it takes more effort.  Thinking about parties and the availability of food that is not so good for us, doesn't it seem like it is always there? But eating healthy keeps us thin and lean...better in the long run.  The easy choice is eating poorly...well, you know how this will end.

Exercise: Oh, this is a tough one for me. I resist and find excuses.  It is hard and uncomfortable but when I make the choice to get up and do it instead of laying in bed (easy) with the covers over my head, I feel SO MUCH better! My body thanks me too!

Parenting: I have been faced with tough choices as a parent; who hasn't?  We have to say, "NO".  Isn't easier to just say, "Yes"?  They become teenagers and sometimes start finding trouble or lacking accountability.  What do you do?

Easy: Stick your head in the sand, make excuses or pretend it will go away. 

Hard: Take a stand, hold them accountable, deliver consequences for their actions and keep them on the straight and narrow...even if they hate you for a while. This is probably the hardest of all.

Career: Sure, it is easy to get into an industry on the upswing.  Real Estate for example; it was EASY for so many a few years back. Get your license, sell a house.  Not to shabby.  But what about getting into an industry (or any job right now) on the down turn? Oh so tough but if done right, you will be SO much smarter and better for it. You will learn to do things the right way and have a better appreciation and will be well prepared for when things turn around.

The list goes on and on and I am sure you could add so many things to it!

I was recently faced with a choice.  It was a tough one.  I thought long and hard about it and ultimately decided to make the change from RE/MAX to Prudential California Realty.  You may be surprised to hear this; I mean I am surprised! I wasn't looking to change!

It came to me quite by accident. Nothing was wrong at RE/MAX. I worked in a really nice office, made some fewR friends. I had done well in the past year and it was so easy and fun to be there. I mean it is a block from my house and I felt right at home!

Aha, it was easy.  Prudential is going to be hard. I am going to be challenged, educated and held accountable.  The marketing and support are second to none.  Though taking the leap is extremely difficult and heartbreaking I believe it will be the place for me to grow and ultimately better serve my buyers and sellers.  It is the hard thing. But I believe it will be the best thing....for me. 

The pressure is on, but I think I am up for the challenge.  To Ron, Tina and the gang at RE/MAX, thank you for everything!  I will miss you so much but of course, we will be seeing each other!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________