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Obstacle, Obstruction or Excuse?

By
Real Estate Agent with Weichert, Realtors

OBSTACLE: (N) Something that opposes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress

OBSTRUCTION: (N) Any structure that makes progress difficult; something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted.

Which one is in your way? Are we letting the things that pop up in our way get the best of us? Is it the awkwardness of moving out of our comfort zone, the fear of the unknown, or just the burden of responsibility that comes with awareness?

Obstacles and obstructions are pretty much one in the same, whether you have to leap over the problem, or push it away from you. The problem you see, are the EXCUSES that we allow to get in the way of progress.

For example, if we were walking down the street and tripped, would we just lay in the street and refuse help until it was convenient for us to get up and get going? Hardly. In most cases we'd jump up as fast as we could, dust ourselves off, hope no one saw us, and keep going.

Are we doing the same in our daily business? Do we let our obstacles overcome us? Do we allow our fears or expectations to throw our careers into a tailspin? Are we allowing those excuses to build up in us so much that before we are even aware of it, we are spouting out reasons why we can't (or won't) incorporate new ideas or things that we haven't tried yet into our business plans?

Even though we are technically "independent contractors" and are technically accountable for ourselves, one of the greatest resources that we have is each other. Here on Active Rain, we are priviledged to have a network of highly esteemed professionals at our fingertips. 

IRON SHARPENS IRON...  So let's make it a goal this year to use our arsenal! Maybe we feel that we are lacking in a certain aspect, whether it may be marketing, or making phone calls, or overcoming objections... Why don't we partner up with someone either here in AR or in our local offices that is doing well in that aspect of their business, and see if you can pick up some tips to help you out. Conversely, I am sure there is something that you can help someone else out with too!

NO MORE EXCUSES!!!

M.

Comments (10)

Fran and Rowena, La Canada Realtors - (818) 952-0077
Dilbeck Real Estate - La Canada, CA

Monica,

Good thoughts in today's real estate market. 

Excuses - obstacles - obstructions = fear.  Don't be afraid to act.  It's OK!  Some things will work, others will not.

We all have unique talents and abilities.  When you share with others, you get back so much more! 

Dec 14, 2008 05:30 PM
Monica Walters
Weichert, Realtors - Marlboro, NJ

You are SO right!! Thanks for the comment!

Dec 15, 2008 07:43 AM
Monica Walters
Weichert, Realtors - Marlboro, NJ

You are SO right!! Thanks for the comment!

Dec 15, 2008 07:43 AM
Gail Szeluga & JoAnna Siminerio
Coldwell Banker Realty - Manalapan/Marlboro - Manalapan, NJ
Fostering Community Spirit Through Real Estate

I love how you express yourself in this post!

The analogy to tripping on the sidewalk and hurrying so no one will notice is absolutely perfect!

You timing is fabulous as well.  Had a bump in the professional road this week and I'm dusting myself off and hurrying on my way right now!!

Thanks!

 

 

Dec 15, 2008 08:14 AM
AMBER NOBLE GARLAND - Top Real Estate Expert, Property Tax Appeal Specialist & Author
Strategic Marketing Expert & Relocation Specialist Serving New Jersey and nationwide! - Marlboro, NJ
- The Agent You Can Trust To Deliver REAL Results!

I agree 100%. Unfortunately some people don't like to share and others like to receive but never give. "Irons sharpen irons"...great way of putting it!

Dec 15, 2008 12:44 PM
Joddie Roberts
Mountain Real Estate and Property Management - Spokane, WA
Your Spokane Realtor - Spokane, WA

I read a book recently that centered on the reality of choice.....it hit me hard because I realized I had made excuses...or rather, made choices, which means there is no excuse!

Dec 15, 2008 02:24 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

I'm in the Albert Einstein room: Both obstacles and obstructions are just means for me to look for different ways to do what I want to do.

Dec 19, 2008 07:04 PM
Jon Wnoroski
America's 1st Choice RH Realty Co., Inc. - Green, OH
Summit County Realtor

Monica - Every problem has a solution as every obstacle has a way around it.  No matter what is thrown in our way there is always a way to deal with it.  Some are more difficult to others and we certainly understand that there are no simple solutions to complex problems.  It often helps to consult with others who may have experienced different issues and can help us with understanding how to deal with them. 

Dec 20, 2008 12:31 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Monica - I couldn't agree with you more on your blog and excuses are like _____. Great blog and some great insight.

Dec 20, 2008 02:38 AM
Lou Ludwig
Ludwig & Associates - Boca Raton, FL
Designations Earned CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC

Hi Monica

You are right on target, thanks for sharing the information.

Good luck and success.

Lou Ludwig

Dec 21, 2008 01:50 AM