I generally use this space to share some thoughts about marketing your real estate practice but, hey, it’s 2008, so I thought I’d break away from the usual. How about some resolutions that you (and I) might actually have a chance of keeping this year? We both know that we’re not going to hit the gym 6 days a week, cut out all junk food and/or achieve world peace. However, here are some ideas that may change your outlook on life. Who knows, 
with a new attitude, you might come up with some great ideas for your business as well!
Laugh every day. We all get caught up in the day-to-day grind, whether it’s work,
home or family related. Are all the things you’re stressing about really that critical? If your daughter wants to wear mismatched socks to school or you can’t find that file folder you stashed yesterday, is the world coming to an end? Click on the Comedy Channel, pop in a Marx Brothers DVD or read the comics—anything to bring on a chuckle. It’s guaranteed to lower your boiling point and make the rest of the day more fun.
Concentrate on what goes right. How many of us gnash our teeth at night over things that went awry during the day? Sure, the boss was cranky, a can’t-miss deal fell through and your cell phone bill hit the stratosphere. But, there was also a magnificent sunset, having your own two feet carrying you where you needed to be and your favorite song popping onto the radio during the drive home. Learn to shift your perspective and life will treat you kindly.
Slow down. When it’s time for lunch, walk away from your desk and turn off your phone, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Multi-tasking may seem efficient, but it’s an energy drainer. Savor that tuna sandwich and Diet Coke.
Weed out the extraneous. Do you own your stuff or does it own you? A constant battle with clutter takes time away from more meaningful tasks. Throw out magazines that are more than three months old, whittle down your earring collection and shred those 20-year-old tax returns. View your closet with a critical eye—do you really need 35 ties or 10 white t-shirts? Bag up the extras and give them to charity; you’ll be doing a good deed and cutting down your stress level.
Help somebody else. One of the best mood elevators around is lending a hand to someone less fortunate. Donating money is relatively easy; if you’ve got some time to give that’s even better. There are plenty of organizations that can use your help on a once-a month or infrequent basis. Check out local food banks, Habitat for Humanity or homeless shelters.
Resolve to try just one or two of these suggestions, and see what a difference some small steps can make in your life. I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008.
Lois H. Feinstein produces powerful and compelling Web copy, marketing materials, newsletters and brochures for Realtors® and other business professionals. She is Chair of the Real Estate Virtual Assistants (REVA) Copywriting Guild and a member of the International Virtual Assistants Association, and has written for a number of magazines including 5280 and Denver Woman. Her business, I Can Do That!, www.i-cando-that.com, is based in Denver, Colorado.
