Sunday, November 21, 2010

Persist to achieve!

Dictionary.com defines persist as "to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, esp. in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc."

We are always trying new things, new adventures, new journeys and new paths in our every day lives. We make these decisions because we yearn for new things or see the change as a necessary step in accomplishing our desired goals. However, very few things come easy and without adversity, without challenge and obstacles that we must overcome to reach the desired destination. When these challenges or speed bumps arise it's persistence that allows us to continue on the desired path.

“The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come"
~James Whitcomb Whiley

When the decision is made to make these so called changes or to pursue a dream we often are unable to see into the future and predict the objections we will receive. However it is persistence that keeps us on track and moving in that right direction. Do not let the present circumstances deter you from your path but use persistence to endure through the tough times and stay on course.

Persistence, to me, means sticking with it. Rather than looking at challenges and obstacles as a reason to stray, see these as opportunities to persist and provide even more of a reason to continue. These obstacles should be seen as markers or reference points to let you know you are moving in the right direction. Hopefully the decisions you made and the places you want to go are ones that require change and require giving up certain things to obtain something better. If this is the case then obviously you will leave your comfort zone and stare the unknown in the eyes to move towards this "better place" for which you desire. That means that to get there, difficultly and challenge must be present, otherwise you would already be at this destination or wouldn't be interested in getting there.

Whether you are doubting your hard work or looking to improve your personal life, embrace persistence and use it as a tool to reach your desired outcomes. You made the decision to take the journey now persist and stay on course because if you fail to persist you will fail to achieve.

Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
~William Eardley

Super Sunday!
-EC

Monday, November 15, 2010

Whats it worth to you?

What's it worth to you? As a real estate professional I am constantly analyzing real estate values and studying the market to help my clients make educated decisions about how much their property is worth? This question brought an interesting thought to mind; one that i believe everyone should think about. What's it worth to you?

Each day we are presented with opportunities. These opportunities come with certain choices, responsibilities and sacrifices that must be made in order to capitalize on these opportunities. These opportunities may be related to your family, your job, your work, your relationships, or anything for that matter. Some opportunities are pursued whole heartedly, others are never considered and still others fall somewhere in between. These opportunities may come as chances to open a new business, a decision to grow your relationship with the good Lord, whether or not to pursue a certain girl/boy, or choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. It seems so obvious when the right opportunities should be pursued yet we often choose another path because of the choices, responsibilities, and sacrifices involved.......because it's difficult! Do you want to make the right choices? I know I do! I made a decision to be the best that I can be and while I am no where near where I want to be or think I should be, I am definitely working very hard towards that goal.

The question is, "what's it worth to you?". Is it worth, listening to your friends talk smack as you order a salad at a restaurant? Is it worth sacrificing two hours of sleep to attend bible study? Is it worth giving up the stability of your current job and risk your savings account on an idea you believe in with all your heart? Is it worth working through tough times with someone you care about when you are sure it would be easier to let it go? Would you give up your party life for an opportunity to have a super successful career? What's it worth to you?

This is the question we should all think about when faced with opportunities. It's weird, when you think about it like this it makes it real hard to pass on an opportunity because of the challenge or sacrifice involved......unless of course it's not worth it!!

Speakin truth
-EC

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Don't forget the JOURNEY!

“Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey.” ~Unknown

Over the last few weeks I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas, Anaheim, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of these trips was to promote a business I founded with some friends. While I was there I had an incredible realization and I thought I would share.

We have been working for about a year and half, on this project and it has been a long road with good times and bad. It has been a difficult process filled with many detours and speed bumps and it has been draining and frustrating to say the least. Of course we are trying to achieve success and with a lot on the line its hard to think about anything else.

Being so caught up with the end goal, I have lost site of what is most important. The truth is that I have been traveling to really cool places, working with a great team, meeting amazing people, and experiencing things I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to get to go to these places, places that most people will never even get to think about. I have been so focused on trying to make this a success that I forgot to appreciate the best part; that is the journey!

All to often, we get so caught up in the end result or the destination that we forget about the experiences that make the journey. This journey is the best part of it all. This journey is what makes the destination special, it's what makes it worthwhile. When I sit down and think about it, it's the challenge that keeps me interested and makes me desire the end result. But without that challenge there would be no glory. Of course, it seems nice to start a business and the next day it be a success. Would it really be that great? Or would I just forget about it and move on to the next project? Would I really appreciate that success or would it not even be success because it was not difficult to attain?

What I have failed to realize is that the experience has been so awesome. It has been a learning experience to remember forever. I have traveled around the US promoting a product that I am passionate about, that I believe in with everything I have. I have developed friendships with my partners that probably would have never come without this journey and these are friendships I will have for the rest of my life. I have spent late nights in a hotel room, practicing presentations, strategizing on our next move. I have had conversations and met successful people and will continue to develop these relationships over time. Some of these relationships will become valuable business relationships others will turn out to be lifelong relationships. I have been ever so fortunate for these experiences and have many more great ones ahead. Isn't this what life is all about? I will, from now on, enjoy the ride and appreciate the journey!

Keepin' it real!
-EC