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Overcoming Challenging Times

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

My name is Mark Hilgenberg and I am a Realtor in Green Bay Wisconsin. I think we all know the housing industry has changed considerably in recent years. But, haven't we all recently experienced change. For many of us our outlook has become very cloudy with doubt about our future. I for one have laid awake at night wondering what tomorrow will bring and how my relationships and finances may suffer. So far my finances have dwindled, but my relationships continue to prosper. I think these relationships help me continue to press on with the belief good things will come.

Years ago I would have had a different attitude. Maybe give up on the job, maybe even the relationships. But that was just me, back then. I couldn't see anything getting better. I was going downhill fast. But then something happened. Call it maturity, call it a new found spirituality, call it God. Whatever. The bottom line is I grew up first, then began to rely upon others philosophiies of life-those who have gone before and experienced the same hurdles, and what did they do about it that brought them through to the other side of success.

What I learned didn't make tough times disappear, but rather made me tough and last through those times. This is what I am doing now. It first began with getting healthy. I was 40 pounds over weight, didn't exercise, consumed a terrible diet, and was edgy and lacked energy. That in itself was no defense for tough times. Besides, my attitude was going in the toilet fast. By accident, I joined a weight loss program, became a regular at the YMCA, and the tiredness, restfulness, and attitude started to change. At that time I didn't really see any improvement other than I wasn't so preoccupied with business, finances and relationships. Then one day, not only did I notice loose clothing, but my relationships, because of my attitude, were improving. I started attending church more, and connected with spiritual people.

Now, five months later and 40 pounds lighter, I've found that life is still life, but my attitude and how I feel about myself has improved a lot. The obstacles are still in my path, but now I can see ways around or though those obtacles.  It isn't always easy, but now there is a solution.

I've shared with others in my field of bsuiness that we must get back to the basics of conducting our business. We've been spoiled for several years of economic growth. We quit doing the basics because we didn't have to and there was an easier way. I remembermy Mother telling me years ago as a kid, "life isn't easy". She was right! Life isn't always easy. But life is life. It's how we deal with it that makes a difference.

During those sleepless nights I would watch infomercials on how to get quick fixes and how easy this could be and that could be. I learned long ago nothing is free and if it's too good to be true it probably is. My remidy for anyone challenged with life's obstacles is to get reasonablly healthy, get back to basics, get some spiritual relief, and nurture those relationships. It takes time, but stick with it and notice the progress. Over time you'll find those four ingredients create a positive life with hope and prosperity.

 

If anyone has anything to add or questions let me know. I am always happy to help others, but you must do the work.

 

 

Comments (1)

Michael S. Mackey
CENTURY 21 All Islands - Mililani, HI
REALTOR ABR, CRS, GRI, RSPS

Mark, I can relate to the soul searching, and the difficulty of staying on track when things just aren't going your way. I had prepared myself for the slowing market, could see it coming from miles away during the boom time. Still, it hit me hard. I had no transactions for almost 1 year. I never thought of giving up, but had to think about supplementing my income. The main thing though, was to keep wortking at the business. It finally came back to me, and hopefully will continue to improve. Thanks for your post!

May 15, 2008 05:54 AM