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Toughing It Out Sometimes Means Taking A Pounding

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty 0575737

SnowstormIn writing posts six months ago about waiting to get to the other side of economic turmoil it got me thinking that

Toughing It Out Sometimes Means Taking A Pounding.

Being a distance runner I know about working on your endurance. In the current downturn we may not even be at the halfway point yet. Like guiding your dog sled through a driving snowstorm, you have to get tough.

This downturn might make us all stronger if we hang in there and learn about endurance. What doesn't kill us with the pounding does make us stronger. This may be one of the best things that ever happened for our work and us individually.

Worry not so much about your reputation which is what others think you are. Be concerned rather about your character which is who you  really are. With a little difficulty and fire to the metal, you will emerge stronger than ever with a character tested by hard times.

Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Gary-Excellent post my friend-The saying that goes like this"when the going gets tough the tough get going" certainly applies to our current economic situation and any other time as well Words of wisdom from the master. :-)

Mar 12, 2009 10:05 AM
Lisa Udy
Platinum Real Estate Group - Logan, UT
Logan Utah Realtor

Gary,

The greatest rewards in life come from tough times in my experience. If you live through it, it will definately make you stronger and better. This post was an inspiration to me while I sit here and take my broker classes. It's hard, no fun, but if I tough it out, I know I will benefit in the long run.

-Lisa

Mar 12, 2009 10:06 AM
Connie Goodrich
Keller Williams Realty - McKinney, TX
CRS ABR (McKinney Realtor)Texas

During challenged times is when the true test of character comes.  Being gracious under pressure, working harder to make ends meet.  Great analogy with the sled and snow coming down because you know that is just not an easy ride but can be a beautiful one to self-discovery.

Mar 12, 2009 10:20 AM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

You hit the nail on the head again, Gary. We definitely are the midst of some challenging times, but trying to stay positive and surrounding yourself constantly with great friends -- both in the industry and not -- can provide the support and encouragement we all need to keep moving forward.

Mar 12, 2009 10:37 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Gary, your posts are always inspirational and on the money. Thanks as always.

Mar 12, 2009 12:21 PM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes

I am working harder now than I ever did. Surely all this work will pay off soon.

Mar 12, 2009 01:40 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Gary - You're absolutely right - It takes endurance and tenacity.  Like Lizette, I hear many agents saying they are working harder now than they ever did.  Hopefully, before long, there will be a return to a more traditional market, where it doesn't take arduous effort to put transactions togther.   A respite would be a wonderful thing!

Mar 12, 2009 02:12 PM
Toula Rosebrock
Diane Turton, Realtors, Forked River, NJ - Lacey Township, NJ
Broker/Sales Associate, Realtor, Lacey Township,

ToulaRosebrock.comHi Gary:

That was wonderful...You are so wise!

We will come out stronger (just hope it's sooner, rather than later)...

Mar 12, 2009 02:21 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Gary...

You're right ... life is a slugfest sometimes and you're going to have to take a beating every once in a while ... but you can get through t and it gets better after that!

Mar 12, 2009 02:22 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Gary, I have taken a beating, it killed me, but I came back to life.  Again and again.  xxoo

Mar 12, 2009 02:29 PM
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Gary - Great perspective!  No one is immune to these challenges, but many of us have had the forsight to position our businesses the best we can to cope.  I'm personally surprised at all the trimming I've been able to do to keep things in the black.  I feel like once we're out of the woods, I'll be that much leaner, hungrier, and ready to seize every emerging opportunity.  Thanks for sharing!

Mar 12, 2009 03:02 PM
Esko Kiuru
Bethesda, MD

Gary,

These hard times for us real estate and mortgage people are really character-building. You do find out what you are made of. Sometimes we need a true test to measure our stamina. 

Mar 12, 2009 03:18 PM
Trey Thurmond
BCR Realtors - College Station, TX
College Station , Texas Homes

Excellent post and illustration Gary! Very true about the "pounding"  even though I would rather go to a "pounding" party for newly weds than take any more pounding in business or investments. ;o)

Mar 12, 2009 03:19 PM
Carol Culkin
Diamond Partners Inc - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Residential Real Estate

Gary - If we're only at the half way point in this race then I'll stay running with the pack. I have no intention of being a pace setter at this point only to find myself burned out in the end. 

Mar 12, 2009 04:36 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Gary,

My son has completed 2 Iron man events and the first time I watched him I was in awe that he has the determination, ability and perseverance to complete very successively this grueling challenge. I have witnessed this extraordinary young man emerge and am so proud of "him" and what he stands for (not to prejudiced am I?). Thanks for the post,

Mar 12, 2009 11:51 PM
Sally Dunbar
Lyon Real Estate, Fair Oaks CA (Sacramento Area) - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks Realtor - Fair Oaks Homes for Sale

Yes, Grasshopper... so true.  To thine ownself be true.  You just gotta keep doing the right thing,  keeping helping people, and doing what is in their best interest.... the race will ultimately be won by those with integrity.  

Mar 13, 2009 02:04 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Gary..It is so true ..tighten the belt..hear the music..listen to the birds singing.It is tough out there but we all seem to pull through.Thank you for these inspirational words..

 Helpfulhannah your friend in Philly

Mar 13, 2009 03:33 AM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Wonderful post Gary and I really like the photograph!

Mar 13, 2009 10:21 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

As Mark Twain would say, "Always do right; this will gratify some and astonish the rest." Good advice, thanks Gary.

Mar 13, 2009 04:33 PM
Robert Vegas Bob Swetz
Las Vegas, NV

Gary- After taking another look at your post, I think it is a great way of expressing with photography and a wonderful blog.

Featured at:EXPRESS WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AT ACTIVERAIN

Mar 14, 2009 04:12 AM