For 2017, I was asked to join our office’s ALC, Agent Leadership Council. I was very honored to have been asked so I signed up, having no real idea what that meant but what the heck…
As it turned out, one of the benefits of being on the ALC is we get leadership training over the course of the year. This month, our Team Leader asked us all to select one word that would describe something we wanted to achieve/improve/conquer etc for 2017. A word that if we focused on it, our life would improve. Without thinking about it much I wrote down APPRECIATION. I had no thoughts about this being the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, honestly, it didn’t enter my mind. What did enter my mind was how much better I feel when I focus on all the good around me, both in my life directly and in my surroundings.
One of the things I decided over the course of 2017 was to consciously appreciate the business that I’m in, residential real estate. In addition to giving full-time realtors a nice income, we have flexibility in our schedules (sometimes) and FANTASTIC opportunities to meet cool new people nearly every day. Personally, I experience a deep satisfaction in knowing I help my clients with their 1st Place, the place they spend the most time, grow families, entertain friends, deal with heartache and re-energize themselves nearly every day.
Coincidentally, my super cool listing at 1711 Barnesdale Way has an indoor pool. Maybe that’s what reminded me that I had this article tucked away….hmmm.
Over the past 10 years, I have sometimes found myself discounting what I do, with an attitude that nearly anyone could do it. I just wasn’t acknowledging the efforts that I have put into this business in order to do it well. When I was thinking about writing this BLOG, I recalled a newspaper article I had kept from years ago (view 1986 Newspaper Article – PDF). I was just finishing up at UT Knoxville with a degree in Accounting and what did I keep, an article and floor plan of a HOUSE? 😊 Given that I had spent my first student loan disbursement on furniture for my apartment while I was in school, this was just a continuation of an interest that FINALLY turned into a career. I probably have a photo of that furniture somewhere but suffice it to say, my tastes have changed in both furnishings and homes but that’s not really the point is it?
The point is, I have SO MUCH and I intend on appreciating it every single day. Being positive has always been my nature and I feel like I have fallen off that horse a bit this year. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of you for being in my life…from my family and closest friends to those of you who receive this newsletter because you mistakenly hit “Inquire About This Property” on Zillow, and everyone in between. And for all of you who have entrusted me with helping you buy, sell, rent, repair, design, renovate and build for you, know that I am eternally grateful to be a part of your lives….
Happy Thanksgiving!
Dawn.