"I have no choice but to go through this. But, I can choose how I go through this and how I'll feel about myself when ZI look back on it." Thomas J. Nelson
Barry Habib is an mortgage industry executive, and Founder and CEO of MBS Highway. Barry, a well known professional speaker and TV commentator on the Mortgage and Real Estate markets offered some fantastic health, financial, mortgage and real estate advice in an emergency Facebook Live yesterday (March 19,2020). Watch Video Here
I have worked from home on and off for 35 years across 5 careers including the last 1.3 years in real estate. Self discipline is tough when home because of so many distractions.
- Your normal work morning routine is important to maintain. Wake up at the same time, eat breakfast, shower, get dressed! My head space remains productive when I’m wearing clothes vs PJs. I'm still conducting video meetings so I have to look professional.
- It doesn't have to be perfect, but try to set up a “professional work space”. Which means not laying in bed or on the couch and with physical boundaries (closed door) or rules in place - creating boundaries from the kids, spouse & "chores of distraction". Your environment sets your head space in a certain place. A dining room table, desk, card table, etc. can be your designated work area for the next couple of weeks.
- Interruptions are OK -when your dog barks, kids screams or the doorbell rings -- don't sweat it. We're all in the same boat and others will understand. We're all humans going through the same "new normal", let’s enjoy to best we can.
- Eat lunch (maybe with your spouse or kids). Step away from your desk and computer for 30 minutes shut off technology while you eat so that you do not snack all day vs. eating one good healthy meal. This is a great opportunity in general to get to know your spouse and kids ;)
- Get really familiar with Skype, Zoom, Facetime and other video platforms. Learn how to use them so you can help others join calls the right way, and make sure you can hear, see and share. I've met with my therapist, my Toastmasters Group, my Networking Group and several individuals over all three of these platforms in the last week from the comfort of my home with great success. Life goes on.
- A great way to connect to people without being in the same room is video. Family, clients, friends and networking can remain connected in this way and your days can remain productive and busy.
- Social distancing does not mean stay locked up in your home. Take breaks to stretch and walk. If you can safely take a walk around the block and maintain your distance from others, please do so. I still walk my dog 3 times per day. If you’re feeling isolated, get outside for fresh air if you can or use the aforementioned video options to "visit" others.
- If you can’t safely go outside or if you would just rather stay inside… Perhaps stretch and walk into another room every hour or so. Take 1x1 calls (when you don’t need your computer) while standing, pacing or walking if you are comfortable with that – kind of like walking 1x1s that some of us have. In other words, take your breaks, step away when needed, and go do something a little different. You’re not a total slave to your computer at work, don’t be one at home. There are many FREE exercise APPs on your phone and classes on YouTube for yoga, stretching, abs, etc.
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Make good memories during these times. Look back on this time in history and be proud of how you capitalized on
reinvesting in you, your family, your community and your character.
- FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DELIVERED
- Fresh Ingredients/Recipes for home delivery of complete meals here:
HOME CHEF My bride & I cook together with Home Chef, it's a fun activity and a delicious, healthy result we can share.
IRS announces 90-day payment extension (03-17-20)
At a press conference held today, U.S. Treasury Secretary Mnuchin announced the following extensions for federal income tax payments:
- Individuals and businesses with an April 15 filing deadline will be given an additional 90 days to pay taxes;
- Individuals will be able to defer up to $1 million of tax liability; and
- Corporations get an extension for up to $10 million.
Mnuchin was not specific about late-filing penalties for either the March 15 or April 15 deadlines, but it appears interest and penalties will be waived automatically. He stated, "All you have to do is file your taxes. You will automatically not get charged interest and penalties."
California grants extension to file and pay (03-13-20)
On March 13, 2020, the FTB announced special tax relief for California taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Affected business and individual taxpayers are granted an extension to file 2019 California tax returns, and make certain payments, until June 15, 2020. This relief is in line with the Executive Order issued by the Governor on March 12, 2020.
Please take care of yourselves, we’ll need each other’s support to get through this with our sanity intact!
1. Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
2. Image courtesy of 89studio at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
3. Image courtesy of KEKO64 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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