Today as I sat down to think about what to BLOG, the same thing kept coming across my mind.  As we face economic uncertainty, turmoil in the stock market, banks having to be rescued, an absurd $700 Billion Bailout from the government, etc., I realize that many of us are concerned and worried about what is to come.  In the real estate industry specifically, we worry about buyers being able to get loans...buyers still wanting to buy, sellers pricing their properties where the market tells them to price, where's the next deal coming from.  Others I'm sure worry about their retirement plans, college funds, etc.

But then I remembered a great quote and concept from a very wise man...Howard Brinton.  He was speaking at his annual STAR POWER conference this summer and in his closing remarks, he stated something that really struck me.  He said that one of the things that gets in our way of becoming great is Worry.  But as he spoke and began to explain what worry was, it became very clear to me that most of what we worry about are things we have NO CONTROL over.  And then he said, "you can't worry about the things you have no control over."  So what does that mean for us.  Well, we have no control over the stock market, the banks, the decisions that the government makes, how fast the economy may pick up, etc.  We have control over the actions that we can take. 

For me in the real estate industry, that could mean how many calls I make to prospect for new business.  I can't control if someone decides to buy or sell, but I can make the calls to find out if they want to or know anyone who needs to.  I can control how many contacts I make through direct mail or personal notes.  I can try to control my expenses.  What I can't control is the types of mortgage programs there might be available, and whether or not a buyer will qualify.  I can't control the outcome of anything, only the activities that will lead to the outcomes.  So, instead of worrying about things I can't control, I should focus on things I can.

And I think that goes for all of us.  Instead of sitting around worrying, let's figure out what we can do where our efforts will lead to results.  Think about what you have control over...at work, at home, maybe in your spending habits, how we spend our time.  And maybe this is a time where we realize other things that are important in our lives, like spending more time with our families and children, or volunteering more.  For me, I know that God will not put me in any situation that I can't handle, and that he will provide for every NEED that I will have (I didn't say every want or desire, but NEED)!!! 

Remember that there are cycles in any market, and that there will be a recovery.  It is our fear that fuels the fire most of the time, so if we can quit worrying, we can look for the positive outcomes that are to come!!!

I wish you the best, now go out and make it a great day!!!