When I was 3 or 4 I experienced my first "public" Easter egg hunt at my pre-school.  From what I remember...all of the other kids were beaming with excitement and seemed to be bouncing off the walls which in turn made it difficult for me to contain myself although I don't think I really understood what was getting ready to take place. 

Everyone had been handed a basket and then led outside toward the area where all of the playground equipment was located which was behind a gated chain link fenced-in area.  Me not being as observant as the other kids hadn't already started my search for those silly eggs although I started hearing shouts of joy from the others who were lined up in almost a shotgun start position and who were already identifying their targets and strategizing on where they would run to first. 

I felt a sence of bewilderment since any Easter egg hunt I had ever participated in was orchestrated specifically for my two (much older) sisters and I of which my two sisters were already instructed(secretly) to "let me" find some eggs too.  Needless to say, I had no idea that the second the gate opened it would be more like a shark feeding frenzy and all the other kids around me would turn into Tasmanian Devil blurs of activity as they whizzed around racing each other to capture all the eggs. 

I was absolutely curtailed into a catatonic state as I looked around the playground at what once was covered with eggs were disappearing at a more than rapid rate. 

I heard all of this commotion primarily teachers screaming Shannon turn around...no look over there no...look under here no...while other kids raced to where the teachers were pointing only to beat me to the eggs over and over again. 

I WAS SO CONFUSED. 

As a teacher tried to assist me in capturing at least one egg.  I dutifully did what she said when she said, behind you go backwards...I walked backwards with my eyes still on my teacher as I stepped on what would be the last egg that had yet to be discovered.  

I picked up my foot and put the crushed (real hard boiled egg...eeew) in my basket and that was the end.  I had completed my first "real" Easter egg hunt and netted a big fat zero.

So how does this have anything to do about real estate?

Well I learned that regardless of the hunt for real estate deals.  There is always somebody older, better, more experienced, more skilled, better qualified, better connected wanting the same thing I do.

I learned that if I wanted any of the prizes..aka...awards...eggs....contracts...customers for life, that I needed to learn how to be faster, smarter, more accommodating, strategic and ready.

I learned that it's smart to listen to the chatter around you and take note.

I learned that when you're well prepared and better skilled you're ahead of your game, you're smarter and hence tougher competition.

I learned that when you're getting beat, you better shape up because there's no time for non-action.

I learned that all of the instruction in the world means nothing if you don't listen and act on command.

I learned to recognize opportunities so I don't step on them and crush them.

Lastly, I learned that everyday is a hunt and it doesn't matter much what happens today as long as it makes me more ready for the next hunt tomorrow.

Happy Easter and Happy Hunting!

:)