I signed up for a class that will span the next 9 weeks.   

Yes, making a commitment in the middle of my busy summer was something that I had to think long and hard about.  But in the end I know that even if I learn to change my habits then I WILL have better results from my performance.  

I thought what a better way then to do a diary of my experiences through this class...

so, thanks for joining me.  

Today started unassuming enough.  There are six people in my class (either you will like it because it will keep you on your toes or you won't cause you can't sit in the back of the room and goof off).  Honestly, it's at a cost that doesn't allow for the goofing off.  But that doesn't mean we can't have some fun, does it?  

We went around the room and said our introductions.  Then we started with a little discussion from our Mentor and Coach, Mr. Dane Bauerle.  He started off saying that in order to progress we needed to have goals.  Okay...I got goals, you got goals, we all got goals...!  But wait, he said he wanted them in writing! 

Now every year I start off with this great business plan and occasionally I will pull it out to see where I'm at on this "plan", but I have noticed that the busier that I seem to be (or buying a RE/MAX office will do it to ya) that I have been distracted (an understatement) from my plan.  I have simply been as we say in my office going with the flow.  Don't misconstrue this with that all great comment of BEING IN THE FLOW.  No, two totally different things.  

But let's back up.  Not only did we talk about goals but we talked about what they are?  Huh?  I thought everyone knows what a goal is, right?  You decide on something stick it to your monitor and you go on with your day, right?  NOOOOOOO. 

He mentioned that they need to be specific, measurable and attainable.  Okay..I'm still with him.  Right on.  

Then he started spewing percentages and numbers.  He said the U.S. Government has statistics on this (well, I don't believe too much of what THEY say) UNTIL he said that Harvard University (now I'm listening) also ran a study over a 30 year span and this is what they found:   

OF GROUPS THAT HAVE WRITTEN GOALS:  

3% WEALTHY                                  written & specific goals

10% FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT            clear goals

60% GETTING BY                                  few goals

27% NEEDS SUPPORT                            have no goals  

Whoa...stop the press.  These are some staggering numbers don't you think?  I think this is something that I need to sit up in my chair and start taking some notes.  

The one thing that can make a change permanent is your ATTITUDE.  My attitude can change my life by changing my behavior. I agree.  

So, off to the homework part.  I had to make two realistic, specific goals for this coming week, 1 personal and 1 business.  

Mine are as follows: Personal-to incorporate time and exercise with my boys by taking them 1/2 day to Schlitterbahn and climbing the stairs to the rides in the sky.  I will actively participate in this activity (instead of floating on the tube around the "river")  

Business- Once a day I will call 1 new agent (for connecting, building a relationship and ultimately recruiting to our office) as well as call 1 past client (to keep in touch, rebuild those relationships with them).  

All in a week.   

Baby steps is what I keep reminding myself.  

I can do it, you can too!