So you're in a "down" market, eh?  You are not alone.

Like many of you, I have a lot more free time than I am accustomed to.  I conduct technology seminars for agents nationwide, and fewer agents attend seminars in the "down times" (even though this is the time that they should be "sharpening the axe" to improve their business skills!).

Some of my seminar bookings scheduled for the first part of the year cancelled.  I find myself with time on my hands, since each seminar out of my area meant at least two days away from my home office.  The question for me (and for you!) is what to do with that unwanted free time.  How, in other words, can we take advantage of what at first seems to be a problem and turn it into a growth-enhancing opportunity?

Here are some lessons I have learned from having more time on my hands than I would like.  My hope is that these observations will help you make lemonade out of the lemons you might find yourself surround by these days.

Don't Whine!  I hate whiners!  It does no good to whine and ask, "Why Me?"  The answer is likely to come back, "Why not you?"  No comfort there.  The market is the market.  You are where you are.  Your situation is what it is.  Start from there and go forward!

Live In The Solution, Not The Problem!  We all have problems, Bunkie: me, you and everyone you meet.  Given that fact, we have two options:  to live in the problem or to live in the solution.  Choosing to live in the solution gives me two main advantages: I will be happier and I will find doors opening for me that I did not even know were there!

Seek Out The "Empathizers," Not The "Sympathizers"!  I remember whining about a particular problem several years ago to a friend of mine.  I was looking for sympathy, of course.  I wanted him to tell me that I was the aggrieved party.  I wanted him to agree with me that the world was unfair and that such things should not happen to a fine fellow such as me.  Instead of giving me what I wanted (sympathy), he gave me what I needed.  "Pull up your Big Boy pants!" was all he said.  In other words, get over it and move on.  Again, focusing on the solution rather than the problem is the only way out of my dilemma!

In that vein, here's a little prayer I use, and I offer it to you: "God, give me what I need when I need it, not what I want when I want it."  The prayer is taped on my computer monitor so that I can see it often.

Remember: A sympathetic person always tells you what you want to hear; an empathetic person tells you what you need to hear!  Discuss your challenges only with an "empathizer"!

Learn What You Don't Know!  I am so thankful that I have more free time than usual!  It gives me time to learn a particular tech tool that will help my business and improve my life.  If you have been following my blog (http://Blog.CyberStars.net), you know that the first tool I seized on, now that I have time to learn it, was the iPhone.  I cannot tell you how marvelous the iPhone is as a business tool....and I am so glad that I finally have the time to sit down with it and learn its many applications!

Pick one tech tool, probably one you already have.  You have time to spend learning it now, so learn it!  Perhaps your choice is that real estate database you purchased long ago but just "haven't had the time" to learn what it can do for you.  Had you taken the time a year ago to learn it and to put all of your data into it, I promise you that your down market would not be as "down" as it is today!  You would be using its automatic followup plans and prospecting systems to reach out to past customers and clients searching for business.  Its email followup and prospecting systems would not increase your expenses one bit today.  Had you begun using them a year ago, you would have had a transaction or two recently that hasn't materialized because you "did not have the time" to learn the database!  You now have the time: learn it!

Work On Your Agent Network!  Again, had you "had the time" to build a nationwide agent network before now, you would have more business today.  You build your network by meeting agents at local Board functions, by joining committees at the Board, by attending both in-area and out-of-area agent seminars, by getting your CRS designation, etc.  Using such tools as GoToWebinar or free conference calls, you conduct regular online meetings.  Here, you and your network members share tools, tips and techniques that would undoubtedly help you survive (if not thrive!) in the lean times!

Spend More Time With Those You Care For!  Got time on your hands?  One of the most productive uses for it is to spend more time with those important to you...really important to you!  Successful agents who are also happy people find time to balance their business and personal lives.  You might not have time before to pay attention to the important people in your live: now you do.  It is time to do so!

Spend Time With Someone Less Fortunate Than You Are!  Nothing does more to get me off my "Pity Pot" than service work!  There are any number of ways that I can "suit up and show up" to help someone, and that does not include just writing a check to a cause.  Is there a homeless shelter in your area?  They need your help.  Do you have a friend who is seriously ill?  Get his or her shopping list, then buy and deliver groceries to him or her and help with some household chores while you are there.  Be a Big Brother or Big Sister and bring some happiness, hope and possibility into a youngster's life.  Call a friend for no other purpose than to see how they are doing.

The possibilities are endless.  If you are sitting on your Pity Pot, reach out to someone.  I guarantee your burden will be lightened!

Do A Written Gratitude List!  No matter what my current problems, doing a written gratitude list lightens them significantly.  Writing down my blessings clears my mind, and I am no longer paralyzed by the problem.  I am able to see solutions to the problem once the burden of worry is lifted.  How can I be worried when I remind myself, in writing, that I am alive,  that I have a roof over my head and food on the table, that I saw the sun rise this morning, that I had a call that day from someone I care about, that I have a mind and a desire to use it, that I am not at the mercy of a corporate emplyoyer announcing layoffs, that I have friends who would do anything for me (as I would do anything for them), that I live in a beautiful place,  that I have an opportunity to be of service to someone, that I have wonderful children and wonderful relationships with people who love me?

How can I focus on the bad when there is so much good in my life?

One Day At A Time!  One more suggestion: you can do anything "One Day At A Time"!  Focus on today.  Don't project, for we always imagine the worst when we project.  Focus on today and go where your feet are!  Your feet are in today, and you need to be where they are.  Focus on the Wonderful Now. rather than on the Fearful Future!

My unexpected free time has paid tremendous benefits for me.  It is a good life.  I am thankful for that free time, as it has opened up doors of joy, accomplishment and success that I never before knew were there!