The Making of a Superhero.

Last Thursday afternoon I was in the office when I heard the news. A commercial airliner had just dropped from the sky into the icy Hudson River. It was a sobering thought that immediately captured the attention of a nation.

By now, most of us know how the story unfolds... it's the birds, it's the plane...and it's Superman!Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger and his crew managed to pull off the impossible that day. Described as cool, calm and remarkably humble, he successfully landing his crippled airbus on a frozen river in a major metropolitan city... as if he did this every Thursday afternoon... threading the needle between buildings, bridges and boats in the process. Miraculously, everyone went home on that frozen winter's day. And Captain Sullenberger has deservedly been lauded a new American Superhero.

But how do you get to be a superhero? The decisions and actions of this pilot and his crew were utterly remarkable. They have been described by most as heroic. But I would propose that what we all witnessed that afternoon was flawless execution. In my view, the true heroism of this man was earned through the countless years of dedication and commitment that made this level execution possible. Thousands of flight hours, countless hours training inside and outside of flight simulators, and a dedication to teach others what he understands about flight and safety prepared Capt. Sullenberger for this one great moment with fate. His burning and relentless passion to be the best he could be at "art of flying" is what in the end, saved scores of lives. I suspect that throughout his career there were many times when it was not easy, convenient or cost effective to maintain this high level of professional dedication. But he chose to do so anyway. And it's through choices like these that professionals become experts and heroes are born. Heroism is the outcome achieved by ordinary people when extraordinary preparation meets with extraordinary circumstance.The unfolding life story of Capt. Sullenberger appears to be one of great heroism.

There's something about passion. Ask any pilot and you'll see their eyes light up when they talk about it. For some people, flying ignites a passion that is impossible to extinguish. It's passion that keeps us focused...driving us to become better than we already are or ever thought possible. It's passion that makes our lives worth living. Are we passionate about real estate?Do we share the same burning desire to be the best at our chosen profession that Capt. Sullenberger has for his? Or has the weight of our current economy broken our spirit? Try to remember how it felt when you first earned your real estate license. You were probably a little nervous, but for many it felt like "the sky was the limit" and "anything was possible". And then life got in the way and it all became a little more complicated. Are we living our passion in real estate or just going through the motions?

Become that superhero. The world needs more of them. Now more than ever before, our buyers and sellers need us to have a heroic level of expertise. We need to be able to execute flawlessly under the pressure of our market...regardless of how dire the crisis might appear. We need to push through whatever barriers are out there that are keeping us from being the best we can be. Re-commit to learning as much as you can about your market and your inventory. Learn, practice, drill and rehearse the skills of prospecting, negotiation and communication. Learn how to use the newest and most innovative technologies to improve the service you deliver to others. And above all, surround yourself with those people who keep you balanced and your passion alive.

Life is funny sometimes...we never know in advance the precise moment when we'll be called upon to become the next superhero. For 155 fortunate passengers and crew, Capt. Chesley Sullenberger was up to the task one frigid winter's afternoon. Here's to you, Sully!