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What inspires you?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Kate Writes Right

Many of us in real estate spend a great deal of our life working to fulfill the hopes and dreams of our buyers and sellers.  Some are wise enough to give our family and friends the most focus.  But when was the last time you asked yourself what inspires you?

In the words of Dolly Parton, "When I am inspired, I get excited because I can't wait to see what I'll come up with next."

Is your life filled with the pragmatic actions required to fullfill the needs of family and clients to the detriment of that deep soul-filled part of you that inspires?  Most of my life I would have answered that question with "yes" or unfortunately with "what do you mean?" 

As the years roll by I find that so much joy comes from living an inspired life that I don't want to miss it.  Sometimes I spend several days doing the work that needs to be done by me and not tapping into that intimate part of me that is connected with source -- call it God, The Universe, Ultimate Power, etc.  When that happens, I start missing the feeling of being inspired.

Our old favorite trainer Zig Ziglar said, "Outstanding people have one thing in common; an absolute sense of mission."  Although some of our clients can be inspirational and some of our clients can make us feel that we are missionairies, most of us have something outside our client needs that makes us quiver with excitement. 

Giving ourselves permission to tend to that part of ourselves with self-nourishing indulgence is essential.  I know that in 2008 my goals will be based on listening to that "still, small voice" for direction because I believe that is the source of my greatest good.  My challenge will be to set aside time to shut off all the noise around me for enough time to hear my inspired soul and to return to that place often.

Cherimie Crane
Cherimie Crane & Associates - Beaufort, SC

Thanks for such a great post. I find myself dazed sometimes wondering if real estate is "all there is". Formerly, I was a school teacher. Not one day went by that I didn't feel inspired. Unfortunately, being an educator didn't allow me to pay my bills. Living on the coast can be expensive and as a single woman, teaching just didn't cut it.

I have days when I wish I was back in the classroom however I do find moments in real estate where I feel as though I really have touched someone's life and made a difference. I will need many of those in 2008:)

Jan 12, 2008 12:59 AM
Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...
Life is a whirlwind and I couldn't agree with you more! Time to turn everything off and refocus is a great thing!
Jan 12, 2008 01:04 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Kathi:  Great post and well written!  I think we find ourselves focusing on business and satisfying others, leaving ourselves vulnerable because we don't take care of ourselves--physically, emotionally or spiritually.

Jan 12, 2008 01:21 AM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate
I planted roses in my front yard just so I could stop and smell them and wife inspires me more than any other thing on this planet.  Great post, have a great '08.
Jan 12, 2008 01:26 AM
Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Kathi - Too often we get so wrapped up in "taking care of the world" that we forget to take care of us. 

We tend to forget that it's ok to stop the world, step off for a little while, and garner a fresh perspective.  It makes us all more productive and better grounded.

Thanks for a great reminder to slow down, see the roadside and not just the road. 

Jan 12, 2008 02:12 AM
Kathi Frank
Kate Writes Right - Houston Heights, TX
The Woodlands TX

Cherimie: First, I must compliment you on your name - very pretty. 

You did not ask for coaching, but I would like to make an observation.  Everyone will support me when I say that teachers are the most important people in the lives of our children beyond our role as parents.  I applaud the fact that it is your passion.  Just because society does not compensate teachers based on their value to society is not a reason to abandon that passion.

Have you thought of combining your love for teaching with marketing your real estate service?  Go to your quiet place and give some thought to this and I will give you a few ideas to start the ball rolling.  Can you write a small talk about personal finance to be taught to students at the age level you like to serve?  Can you talk about the benefits to home ownership - maybe as a guest in a math class - showing the money savings when compared to renting?  Can you get involved in the community teaching adults and glean good PR with press releases to the local media?

You bring a wealth of benefit to the real estate profession.  After all, most of our time is spent teaching our clients.  Tap into what you know and 2008 will see great results.

Jan 12, 2008 03:20 AM
Kathi Frank
Kate Writes Right - Houston Heights, TX
The Woodlands TX

Debe and Lindsay: There is so much more to life than "busy-ness".  If we give all our talents to others, we can be left with nothing to share.  We deserve to adopt the message heard when we fly on a commercial airline and put on the "air mask" of self care first to replenish what we give to others.

Jan 12, 2008 03:23 AM
Kathi Frank
Kate Writes Right - Houston Heights, TX
The Woodlands TX
JL: YOU, my friend, are an inspiration.  As a single woman, the thought of a man giving me the credit for his inspiration sounds incredibly fine.  I have no doubt that she cherishes you aa her partner.
Jan 12, 2008 03:25 AM
Kathi Frank
Kate Writes Right - Houston Heights, TX
The Woodlands TX

Carol: For most of us, slowing down feels like it is not an option.  When we have a lot of business, we are off to meet the needs of others.  When business slows down, we get worried and busy ourselves stirring up more clients. 

Personlly, I have not been able to avoid being busy with client needs when they are plentiful.  But I have become confident and comfortable with the slow periods...knowing that the rush will come again.  During those times, I give myself permission to meditate, call my friends, read a book, pray...anything that gets me in touch with the essential nature of who I am.  It has made all the difference in the world.

Jan 12, 2008 03:30 AM