Have you considered your vine and branches in the housing market business?  How healthy is your vine?  Have you trimmed the branches to have a healthy and prosperous business? "I am the Vine; you are the Branches".  Have you ever heard that before?  Yes, it's in the Bible, John 15:5.  It is a very thought provoking verse, but it can be taken beyond the realms of religion. 

The vine and branches can be taken into every aspect of our lives - business, personal, and community.  Where do you gain the richness that your lives desires?  What makes you feel fulfilled?  Successful?  Are you pleased with yourself? 

Yes, our market is struggling.  But, I work with some pretty awesome and successful people; who don't know this market is in a downturn.  There business is flourishing!  I have learned it is only in a downturn if we allow ourselves to believe it is. 

What we need to do is have a healthy vine - a healthy business plan.  We need to trim the branches that are holding us down: 

• Is it a client that makes you feel like you are playing the childhood game, "Ring around the Rosy"?  Do you need to trim them from your vine?
• Is it a business partner that is always accepting but never giving referrals?  Do you need to...?
• Is it a personal friend that is draining the life out of you so that you have nothing to give at the office?  Yes, you need to trim them...

Are you sitting in your office spinning your wheels and wondering where to go next for your paycheck to pay your bills? 

Yes, we are 100% responsible for our business: 

• There are many good mentors out there talk to one of them to see what they are doing to make a difference.  
• Continue to educate yourself for the newest programs (that can be delivered and closed!). 
• Expand your network(s) - social & business. 
• Make sure you are staying in touch with past clients. 
• What about your Spheres of Influence - do you stay in contact with them? 
• There are also many good books - "Who Moved My Cheese", "Raving Fans", "In Search of Excellence" this is such an old but GREAT book, and the book I've heard is good is "The Success Principles".   

Work smarter, not harder.  Don't give up, but trim the branches that are weighing you down.  If you finish trimming your branches at work, there might also be some in your yard at home!

Life is not about money (but does help pay the bills).  Today is the first day of the rest of your life - in business and personally.  It is a gift - make sure you use it wisely.  And, I believe this is the best blog I have ever written because the most powerful person in the universe has made me see reality and has stood by me when I have faltered and failed.  I am glad he is strong and has, and can, carry me!