The saying "Success is a journey, not a destination", is something I had heard of course, but never reallythought to much about or fully understood the truth in that profound statement until several years ago. I was standing in a room surrounded by my friends, family and all of the Century 21 agents and brokers from around our four-state region. My song had just finished playing, everyone was applauding, and I was standing on the stage in my fist haute couture formal dress, which made me feel like a princess when I put it on. Everyone was smiling, flowers were being given to me by my friend, partner and broker, the regional director handed me my gold statue and the thought I had at that crowning moment was not one of jubilation. I looked out at the crowd and thought to myself, "Is that all there is"! Wow, it was the most amazing feeling of let down I think I've ever experienced, when you would have thought I would have been overjoyed, but I wasn't...I felt this tremendous letdown feeling. You see I had finally made it, after years of working hard and always coming in less than #1, I was finally crowned the #1 Century 21 Realtor for the city of Houston, Texas, and was also in the top 10 in the US. I had made the unfortunate mistake of not enjoying the journey. I don't do that anymore.
I think a lot of people do that, more than experience the joy along the way, most like I did get lost in the rush. I had been so driven, so focused, so caught up in the working that I had not stopped to smell the roses along the way. The last few years at that moment seemed a big blur because I had rushed through them to get to the end goal and once I got there, it was just a letdown. In fact more than just a letdown, it was like I had wasted those precious years, and I had to some extent. So my friends please rememberthis, "It is not the things we get, but the hearts we touch, that will measure our success in life." Do stop and smell the roses, relax and enjoy whatever journey you decide you want to take with your life. It will all be over in such a short time. Let's be softer, kinder, gentler, and take some time to enjoy this beautiful life we have.
Tina Turner is one of my idols, and I think one of the best voices and entertainers in the world. I have every album and song she ever did. I have seen her in concert three times, the energy she has and the voice is simply the best...which of course is my favorite song. This was the song they always played as they announced the #1 agent for the city at our annual awards banquets. I was with C-21 for 30 years, that's a long time my friends. I always went to the awards even before I was getting an award, I just loved it when they would make the announcement and Tina would burst out over the speakers. Please enjoy Tina Turner singing Simply the Best.
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36 Comments on Life is a journey not a destination for local Katy TX resident (in hindsight)
After many years in a previous career field I had climbed the ladder to the executive level and woke up one day feeling very empty. I can definately relate to this post Liz. I often make the statement to others that will listen, "If you are going to climb the ladder, make sure you know what wall it is leaning up against!" Priorities need to be number one in your life and they can't be ALL about career and business. Gary Keller of Keller-Williams says that for a life of balance our priorities should be in this order: God, Family, Business. I have heard this said another way that really speaks to me - "When you are lying on your death bed... Think about the things you will be thinking about then and make sure you make time for those things TODAY!" I think that if we all do that every day - we will be "Simply the Best!" Thanks for a great post! Steve
Liz - this is one of the BEST song choices. Thanks for an inspriring story. I agree with Steve about Gary Keller's beliefs and think about your deathbed wishes .... there you go...that's what counts. Thank you for your post.
Ms. Liz - You told my story also. I woke up one morning and said enough hard word, enough treading to be #1, now it's time to give back. My job now is the most rewarding I could ever have and that is spending time with my family and my few dear friends and giving back to my community and it's all for free. I must admit, it is difficult going without a real paycheck. It took a health issue to make me realize it was time to slow down.
God is really in control and we don't realize it until he is ready to show us another way. Sometimes we do need to stop and see how beautiful that rose really is and understand how it became that way. Someone nourished and watered it so it could be beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Sometimes it takes something major in our life to make us see things differently.
Steve, well said and I could not agree more with everything you said so well. I know an agent who is such a great man, talk about no EGO, his name is Froy and he sells 1,500 homes a year, and made $24,000,000 last year. He is originally from El Salvador and come over as an illegal immigrate. He builds and gives away 29 homes a year to the poor in his home country, and a lot of charities here as well. Froy is quite, unassuming, caring and giving. He has managed to "do it all". He said when ask what he wanted on his tombstone simply "Here lays a hard working man". He makes a lot of time for his God, family,and friends, a truly remarkable human being. I'm working on my balance now, but for a long time I was a little short in some areas. Thanks for sharing, L
Sharon, glad you enjoyed it...the rose is from my garden. L
Carl & BWP, wow...we have even more in common than you know, and I hope my "story" has as happy an ending as yours did. I'll tell you about what is going on soon, for the next couple of months, I'm going to live my "bucket list" to it's fullest :). This song always brings back lots of great memories too. L
LIZ, I also learned this lesson much like you. I was in a business prior to real estate where it consumed my life. I made a vow never to let that happen again. I will never be the biggest real estate agent and I am TOTALLY okay with that. I have tried ever since to keep my priorites God-Family-Career. I love what you said "It is not the things we get, but the hearts we touch, that will measure our success in life."
I am slowly getting over that junk I brought back from Colorado with me. Our daughter is in town and we are going to see the Chronicles of Narnia this afternoon and have some Mother/Daughter bonding time.
Well said Liz. Far too few treat lift as a wonderful gift and more like a series of rewards that they either earn or are entitled to. When you look at life as a gift, you're more inclined to share it with others.
Hey Liz!
Came for a visit to your new post. I'm glad that you are smelling the roses these days. I think we all need to do that every day in the most simple way. When I'm relaxed and happy everything I do I do better and I enjoy it even more..and when that includes staying happy through a phone call from an angry client...i know I'm relaxed!
hmmmm when do they give out the awards to the little customer service folks?!
ah, i forgot, I'm relaaaaxed. don't even need one.
I second this Dear Liz, You have touched our hearts. You are a very special person and we are blessed to know you. I learned this lesson long ago myself and even though I am going strong now, I do take time for the important things, the ones I love and the ones that love me, and sometimes even for those that don't love me :)
Liz, you are absolutely right. We do need to take time out to smell the roses and relax. Sometimes, more often than not, we get caught up in every day life and business...simply forgetting that there is more to life and we need to take a minute to enjoy it.
BWP, I will and working on my "bucket list" for the next 2 1/2 months. Nothing but positive thoughts, words, actions in all aspects. I will be at peek mental health for my "mission" over the next year and a half. Hugs, L
Don, when the student is ready the teacher will appear :). L
Marchel, it is so strange how much we have in common, with new things always popping up. You have touched my heart, and I hope I have yours. L
Don, it is amazing that the relationship I've developed with you and Ricki could be this strong this quick. Maybe as we get older we realize we better act on our feelings for other people that come into our lives :) L
Ricki, the other half, notice how diplomatic I'm being...didn't say better or worse :) I've not evolved as far as you have, that's my next step. Hopefully y'all can come to the lake for a couple of days over the summer so we can catch up. I want to hear everything! L
Gena, it's always so good to hear from you, hope things are progressing for you over on the west coast side of the world. L
LIZ - In a fast-paced society, it is easy to get so caught up in the destination that we overlook the journey. I think that when we build something up so much in our minds, that when we finally get there, disappointment sets in. It's kind of like the holiday season. I find that the time leading up to Christmas is often times more exciting than the actual day. Anticipation is a strong emotion.
Liz, The picture of the rose is beautiful. I too understand from personal experience what you are saying...from a different career. Stop and smell the roses; It is the hearts that we touch; and Success is a journey....all are excellent reminders. Froy sounds like a true inspiration.
Regardless, I still would like to congratulate you on your being crowned the #1 C-21 Realtor in Houston. Your being able to learn something to share with everyone from that moment makes it even a more worth while moment. Keep being you.
You know ..in the early 1970's I was a student At U of H and I won front row center seat to see Tina when it was "IKE and TINA". I had a very large 35mm camera lens and got some awsome photos of Tina. Wow! I have misplaced those.
Adam, great analogy :), I have finely overcame that one too, it makes Christmas much better. I focus on the true reason for the season, the birth of Christ for us. Anticipation is a very strong emotion for sure. I enjoy your group, thanks for founding it, Liz
Sondra,
I took those at my lake house and got a little carried away, must have 25 pictures! Let me know if you would like me to e-mail you some.
Trey,
Too bad you don't know where that picture is, boy I would love to see it. She is starting a new world tour at 68 years old. You wanna go with me? I'm there, wherever she plays! L
This is wonderful to read, Liz, as I'm wrestling with where I am right now... maybe it's just a moment on the journey that will continue... and today I can just be thankful, and notice the roses.
(did you see the recent singing together of Cher with Tina on Oprah? I just happened to catch it, but it was so fabulous. what energy! Keep reaching for the stars, Liz--- you are such a bright one!)
Liz- as your apprentice, I really really really really really enjoyed reading this. After a year in the business and only recently beginning to get moving, I've often felt the need to temporarily cut off people around me so that I could dedicate all my time to making money.
...Then I'd come back with boatloads of cash for all of them. Good thing I decided against it... and this post even further validates my decision.
Thank you so much for sharing. I think that all the new, hungry agents need to hear this from you when we start out. It can prevent us from making some severe mistakes and make the ride much better for everyone.
Superstar, I'm glad you found it, I never even thought to mention it to you. You are much wiser than I was :). I'm really enjoying you...hope you're not mad at me for being a little upset with you, I should not have been that hard, you are doing a great job and have put in so much effort. I really feel bad about it, I still get a little carried away...but my hearts in the right place...forgive me? L
Liz- Life is indeed a journey, and I can so relate to "Is that all there is"......after years of working and sacrificing "to get there" I realized how much I'd missed along the way. Even now I have times where I forget and the work-a-holic is in control.....and I miss out on my garden, the neighbors kids, the little things along the way.
Beautiful message, thank you, and Congratulations on the Bloggers Choice Award :)
Liz, thank you so much for sharing such an honest and important insight into your success. I have never been motivated to be #1 as it is my clients that keep my in real estate. However, there are so many times at sales meetings etc. when I feel guilty that I don't strive for the prizes etc. You have validated my feelings...I can't thank you enough!
WOW...how cool! See I still love to WIN ...as "y girl" Tina says....just can't seem to help myself! I've enjoyed getting to know you through the AR contest. Liz
Kathy...
Best advice I can give you is, "God made us this way, embrace yourself and don't beat yourself up for being who you are...there are plenty of other people out there who gladly do it for you". Liz
Diane...
Yes we are all different, it does not made one better than the other...just different. Guess the world needs both kinds and all of us. Glad it helped you, and please never feel guilty over "who YOU are". Liz
Liz, I came here because of Lola's recommendation on her blog, Blogger's Choice. Thanks for writing such a profound blog. Even though I have never won any prizes being the best realtor in my company and probably would never, I will take your advice to heart.
"I had made the unfortunate mistake of not enjoying the journey....It is not the things we get, but the hearts we touch, that will measure our success in life."
Now, more than ever, I need to remind myself of this. One client is frustrating me and I'm almost at a point where I will pull my hair out.
How true, and glad you found some help with this post. I would recommend FIREING your client...it's not worth it. I can finally only work with nice people that I want to, thank God. Guess I could have set that standard a long time ago :). Liz
I enjoyed this post, Liz. It is so true not to let our businesses take over our entire lives, as they easily could. If we miss living life along the way, what is it all for? Thanks for the remonder:-)
It's all about BALLANCE...balance in everything! I'm working on that now. Part of the feeling I had and was trying to express was that the anticipation was more of a thrill that the actual event. Oh course taking more time to enjoying your "ride" was a big part. Glad it hit a spot with you, L
Tami...
Why thank you mama, it was a trip down memory lane for me. I will never forget the feeling I had at that moment in time, in my life. Hope you are haing yourself a "great ride filled with stops to smell the roses:! L
Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston) Katy, TX More about me…
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Liz Carter,Broker/Owner of Liz Carter & Team Realty, Katy TX (Houston)
thought to much about or fully understood the truth in that profound statement until several years ago. I was standing in a room surrounded by my friends, family and all of the Century 21 agents and brokers from around our four-state region. My song had just finished playing, everyone was applauding, and I was standing on the stage in my fist haute couture formal dress, which made me feel like a princess when I put it on. Everyone was smiling, flowers were being given to me by my friend, partner and broker, the regional director handed me my gold statue and the thought I had at that crowning moment was not one of jubilation. I looked out at the crowd and thought to myself, "Is that all there is"! Wow, it was the most amazing feeling of let down I think I've ever experienced, when you would have thought I would have been overjoyed, but I wasn't...I felt this tremendous letdown feeling. You see I had finally made it, after years of working hard and always coming in less than #1, I was finally crowned the #1 Century 21 Realtor for the city of Houston, Texas, and was also in the top 10 in the US. I had made the unfortunate mistake of not enjoying the journey. I don't do that anymore.
roses along the way. The last few years at that moment seemed a big blur because I had rushed through them to get to the end goal and once I got there, it was just a letdown. In fact more than just a letdown, it was like I had wasted those precious years, and I had to some extent. 
...as "y girl" Tina says....just can't seem to help myself! I've enjoyed getting to know you through the AR contest. Liz
After many years in a previous career field I had climbed the ladder to the executive level and woke up one day feeling very empty. I can definately relate to this post Liz. I often make the statement to others that will listen, "If you are going to climb the ladder, make sure you know what wall it is leaning up against!" Priorities need to be number one in your life and they can't be ALL about career and business. Gary Keller of Keller-Williams says that for a life of balance our priorities should be in this order: God, Family, Business. I have heard this said another way that really speaks to me - "When you are lying on your death bed... Think about the things you will be thinking about then and make sure you make time for those things TODAY!" I think that if we all do that every day - we will be "Simply the Best!" Thanks for a great post! Steve