Several years ago, two guys, Bernard and Jimmy, were driving in the South Alabama foothills. It was hot and they were thirsty so they drove behind an abandoned farmhouse with an old water pump in the yard. Bernard grabbed the pump handle and started pumping. After a few minutes he asked Jimmy to get a bucket and dip some water out of a nearby stream to "prime" the pump.

Lesson one: Before you can get anything out, you've got to put something in! Unfortunetly, many people stand in front of the fireplace and say "Fireplace, give me some heat and then I'll put some wood in you." But, that's not the way it works. You must put something in before you can expect to get anything out.

Bernard pumped a few more minutes and then said, "You know Jimmy, I don't believe there is any water in this well." Jimmy replied, "yes there is Bernard, but the South Alabama wells are deep and that's good because the deep wells contain pure, sweet, good tasting water."

Lesson Two: Things that have real value generally require lots of effort to acquire. This is true whether we are seeking a successful relationship or excel in your real estate career.

It was a hot, August day, but Bernard continued to pump. Then he did what many people are guilty of doing. He couldn't see the water so he threw up his arms and said, "There just isn't any water in this well."

Lesson three: It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, the temptation to quit when the going gets tough is always there. This is especially true if you cannot see immediate results of your efforts. You are even encouraged to quit by many sideline spectators who can't make the list of top producers themselves and don't want you to make it either.

As Bernard started to quit, Jimmy quickly said, "Bernard, don't quit! If you do the water goes all the way back down the well and you will have to start pumping all over."

Lesson four: That's the way it is in life. Much good work is lost because we don't do a little more. You simply can't look at the outside of the pump and determine how much more pumping needs to be done to get the water the rest of the way to the top. Maybe it's a few more seconds or one more good push.

Bernard kept at it and with a little more hard, enthusiastic pumping the water burst forth. Then, just as it happens in the game of life, a steady consistent effort brought more water than Bernard and Jimmy could possibly use.

I love this story because it is the story of life and the way the real estate business works. it has nothing to do with age, education, religious beliefs, skin color, sex, weight, or any of the superficial qualities people look at. Success has to do with enthusiasm, persistence and a dedicated effort. It's character in action and it takes character to continue when you can't immediately see the results.

Don't forget our webinar this Friday, "Proper Pricing Techniques" 1:00PM EST.

Thought for today: Winners never quit and quitters never win.

Have a productive day!

GreatWest GMAC

If you have any questions please contact Brodie Stephens or Sami Siddiqui at www.localhomelink.com

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Source Bill Fields Learning Systems