This year will be a lot different for me. I've decided that this year will be 
the year of "No". I've had a habit of always being available, and always being overly flexible and always being involved. I can't do that anymore.
I've turned down as many buyers and sellers this year as I've taken. Why? I'm not willing to work with buyers who are not willing to make a firm commitment to me, and I'm not willing to list houses that are outrageously overpriced (or even moderately overpriced).
This year, I've started doing a better job of interviewing buyers / sellers prior to accepting their opportunities. If an opportunity appears to have zero chance of success, I turn it down up front. There is no sense in regretting it 3 - 6 months down the road.
Also, I will no longer do the lion share of the repairs on our rentals. In the past, I've tried to cut my client's expenses by doing many of the repairs myself. I haven't minded doing that, but what I noticed in 2014 is that I would end up sacrificing other opportunities while fixing the water heater or a heat pump or something similar on a clients property. As a licensed contractor, most of the repairs I've done have been well within my skill-set, but they consume valuable time I no longer have available.
By making this the year of No, it is opening the doors to Yes. Yes, I will be able to make family celebrations and events. Yes, I will take more educational opportunities. Yes, I will spend more time making my own home repairs and hopefully making my own home more comfortable and enjoyable. Yes, I will spend more time with people who are important to me. Yes, I will spend more time exercising and taking care of my health. And, No, I will not be consumed by the less important while the imporant waits.
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