I've had various light bulb moments throughout my life. In real estate especially - or maybe in all businesses where one has a personal stake - I've listened to dozens and dozens of motivational presentations to be told that "You are only as good as your own goals." And "You're as good as you think you are," etc., etc.
I recently attended a presentation by Jim Schneider, Chief of the Kent Fire Department and Regional Fire Authority, who shared his philosophy of handling change. In his presentation, Jim pondered the phrase "The best way to predict the future is to create it," meaning, of course, that change is inevitable and one can either effect a desired change yourself, or be subject to the results of someone else's change. In other words, be a leader, rather than a follower; proactive rather than reactive.
Perhaps you have phrases that resonate with you, as well. A few of my other favorites are similar:
Denis Waitley - "The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply."
Lao Tzu - "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Lloyd Jones - "Those who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try to do nothing and succeed."
Will Rogers - "Even if you are on the right track, you'll be run over if you just sit there."
As I listened to Jim, however, I realized that this was one of those light bulb moments - that moment where what you hear is relevant and meaningful. Where the relationship between what is being said and one's own hard head becomes clear.
In today's difficult real estate market, I've periodically counseled families who are struggling to keep their homes. Sometimes I am witness to the grief process of losing a home and am often amazed with the resiliency and tenacity by which struggling homeowners cope and recover. As I've listened to their story and sometimes even shared my own, I have always maintained a sense of "You can do this! Set your goals and then let's figure out a way to go get them!"
I have always believed "The Best Way to Predict the Future is To Create It!" but perhaps not in quite such a succinct way. When faced with a tremendously hard reality such as losing one's home, it can be said, perhaps that being proactive -- finding an alternative lifestyle, a substitute home, contacting the lender before you get in trouble, doing your research before acting, asking questions -- are methods that can be used to create one's own future.
We need to create our own futures. If we don't, changes will continue to swirl around us and, frankly, I'd rather be on the leading edge of the change ... not the bleeding edge. Thank you, Jim Schneider, for your inspiration yesterday. I was a good way to start the day.
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