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What do you do at crunch time?

By Curt Fletcher

Real Estate Sales Representative

December 17, 2007 01:48 PM

This blog entry is somewhat inspired by Elizabeth Nieves call to action to help another Active Rain member in their time of need.

Elizabeth's natural instinct upon hearing of the awful circumstances of Melissa's family was exactly that...Natural.

No hesitation.

No internal conflict.

No "I wonder if I should" thoughts.

So I pose this question. What is your natural reaction in crunch time?

Do you hesitate?

Do you step up and make the play (sorry for the football talk...for non sports fans)

Or do think, "someone else will do something."

I remember when I was in college. I was driving home from school, when directly in front of me their was a mild collision. My first thought was, "I should stop to help," but then I saw all the other cars around and decided someone else would.

As I slowly passed the scene, I peaked into the car to notice an elderly woman who I can only assume was very scared and uncertain of what to do. I did nothing.

To this day, well over a decade later, I still feel bad for my non-action. Could I have helped? I don't know. Could I have helped calm this lady's nerves. I don't know. Could I have made a difference. I don't know.

What I do know, is that I never allowed myself to make a difference.

Since that moment. I have changed my ways. It was my moment of clarity.

What if we all become responders? What if we all stepped up when it's our time. What if we make a difference?

How do you respond in crunch time?

Curt Fletcher aka The Likeability Guy

Author of How To Sell More Homes and Increase Your Income

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Laura Cerrano

Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY

Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Curt, I loved your "wake up call story." I had a similar one years ago that still bothers me. I had just moved to Farmingdale and was in a thrift store. An elderly woman was gazing at a necklace that cost just a few dollars. She loved it but didn't have the money. I could have easily bought it for her but was afraid to embarass her so I did nothing and I'm still sorry about it. It was a wake up moment for me, as small as it sounds...since then I act!

Dec 17, 2007 01:56 PM

Lynda Eisenmann

Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA

Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Curt,

Interesting questions, and yes I'd like to think I would take charge and hopefully make a difference at times. It's something my grown daughter and I have talked about, we both feel the same way about the subject. I think we are both survivors in many ways, in business and in personal life. I've seen so many people come and go just in r.e. over the years. It's now 37 for me, and I still love it daily.

And don't be too hard on yourself for your youth, we would all like to have a few "do-overs" in life.

Dec 17, 2007 02:01 PM

Curt Fletcher

Fort Worth, TX

aka "The Likeability Guy"

Carole, It's funny how such small things can make such a huge impact for someone else. Your situation is a tough one. I have a strong feeling that I would have responded as you did.

Dec 17, 2007 02:05 PM

Lynda, I appreciate the feedback! I know what you mean. I have seen the same thing. Seems almost everyday I see another acquantance making a career change. 37 years is Awesome!! Congratulations. I can only imagine all the change that you have witnessed.

The good thing about making mistakes is that most times you have another opportunity to step up. Thank you.

Dec 17, 2007 02:08 PM

Elizabeth Nieves

The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group - Durham, NC

Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team

Curt: I've been sick for a few days, so I've not been at the office or 'connected' as much as usual. I did not see this post yesterday, but I always read your blog...so I had to come catch up. As always...this post speaks TO me...straight to my gut.

You are right. I'm not the kind of person who thinks a lot before reacting. IF I see someone in trouble...I do something. It is my instinct, I suppose. There have been times in life when my reaction was not the correct one (it has even gotten me in trouble a few times), but I've always tried. "In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing." Theodore Roosevelt I've lived by that principle most of my life. I'm just not a 'do nothing' kind of person.

When I look around me in the world, I see so much suffering. I KNOW I can't change the world, and I can't rescue everyone. However, IF you can make a difference in one person's situation...IF you can help them carry their burden...you have made a difference in the world.

I like the word you used 'responders'. YES...I like that very much. Thank you for writing this challenge to us. I'm so happy to know you! GBU!!

Dec 18, 2007 02:55 AM

Elizabeth, Teddy Roosevelt has some great quotes!! Thank you for the comments, and thank you for being a stand-up person. It's funny how powerful a simple Blog can be. Thank you for challenging me to do the right thing.

Dec 19, 2007 01:38 AM

What do you do at crunch time?

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