I absolutely loved the first two chapters of Stefan Swanepoel's book and can't wait to read the rest of the chapters. I know that this will be one of those books I will want to share with my team members, other agents in my office, friends and family. It does not matter what business we are in, what our goals are...this is straight to the heart of all our dreams of survival.
I encourage you to download and read the first two chapters, and take the quiz.
I took the Quiz and learned that I am a Crocodile! My first vain thought was "UGH, I don't want that creepy crawley skin". Reading about the enterprising croc, I was immediately proud to be a Croc, as the description seems to fit me exactly!
As I read the first two chapters of Surviving Your Serengeti, I realized that I have had several Serengeti Experiences in my life, each devastating at first, each life changing, and each changing forever the person that I am, the person I have become. I am who I am because of surviving these experiences, and yes, being a Croc, assured my victories.
I quickly came to believe, that while I am a Croc, I also have traits of many of the other animals. I think this is important for true survival in the jungle, and we need something from each animal to enhance our core characteristics.
Losing my high school sweetheart, husband and father of my children to a way too early death was my first Serengeti Experience. I thought I would not survive, I seemed to lose my identity, but gradually the will to survive took over and I seemed to be reinventing myself each day. Survive I did, not the same person, but a new person with greater survival skills than I ever imagined.
Another major Serengeti Experience was when I sold my three office real estate company, Barbara Hensley & Associates, several years ago. We had achieved and held over 50% of the total real estate business in our area, and enjoyed 99% Agent Retention, no one left unless they died, got out of the business or moved out of area. I did not recruit, the agents came. Over the years we had moved thousands and thousands of people in and out of the area, developed programs earning national recognition, as well as building an outstanding Relocation Department. Once sold, the company changed over night, dropping the programs, mission statement & goals, and the glue that melded the company leading us to our successes. My focus had never been numbers, it had been people. The numbers just followed! Owners had every right to change, but it was a hard thing for me to embrace. This was a mindblower, almost killer for me, but I did survive.
My first reaction in these experiences was to suck it up. Next reaction was to lay low and keep a low profile. Each time I arrive in one of my Serengeti experiences I may struggle, but the most important thing I have found is that I have Endurance. I may have to suck up a few things first, have a pity party....but not for long. That is too hurtful and painful to live with...so endure I do.
I am thankful to have the resilience and ability to meet the beast, and bounce back a better person than before. Like the Choc, I know that I am enterprising, creative, and not afraid to be bold. That is what it takes to survive, to change and re-invent yourself after a survival experience. I love change, I would rather be in control of the change, have it all my idea, but this is not life in the real world. I have found that I can thieve on change that is dictated by outside factors. Nothing ever remains the same, and I am fortunate to realize that I, in the deepest part of my being am ultimately ready to change. I want to be in front of the curve! I want to claim the territory!
I do struggle for focus at times, and this is a matter of getting rid of the unimportant things in all aspects of my life. I find I have to do this to move forward...it may be one step at a time, some days a baby step, some days a giant steps. Goal is never take a step backward.
I see the big vision, the big picture, AND I know I have to delegate. I am thankful that I can face the fears, give up the hurts, search out and define my passions again, establishing my focus for the journey ahead.
The Journey Is Equally As Important As the End Destination.
God Willing I Will Meet & Survive Other Serengeti Experiences.
I Am Armed for the Battle!
Watch Out for the Crocodiles!
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