Holiday Week Wake Up Call:

Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

Make EVERY Day Count We all have one incredible thing in common: We are each given 168 hours every week to do what we please, to create and share our world, to make choices that decide our future and to fill our hearts with what makes them beat with excitement. My goal is to end each day with the satisfaction of knowing that it was well spent. I want to be able to sit back and know that I contributed to something bigger than myself. Here are 5 tips to help you get more out of each day: 1. Set morning intentions. Spend 10 minutes setting your intentions for the day. What 3 things will you absolutely do that day? Sometimes intentions can shift throughout the day; when things become busy or stressful, reconnect with your intentions and focus. 2. Live your values. What do you value most in this world? Family? Security? Balance? Creativity? We all value something different – and these values can change weekly, even daily. However, where we spend our time is a direct reflection of what we value in life. Spend time each day on the things that matter most to you. 3. Sleep well. Research shows that we should get 8 hours of sleep each night. When you’re well-rested, you have greater focus, a better attention span and accomplish more. 4. Create time for important relationships. When we don’t fully listen in our relationships, we’re actually stealing time from them. How often do we nod our heads in agreement with absolutely no idea what our valued friend just said? Be engaged in the moment and in the conversation. When others see that you care enough to listen, you will see the relationship blossom. 5. Research and revise, if needed. There are some amazing resources and a whole industry centered on how to be a better, brighter YOU. Take advantage of the information age that we now live in, and investigate. What type of support do you need? We’re all different. What energizes you? Time and energy go hand in hand. If what you’re doing right now doesn’t energize you, change it. I love to see agents who are not only productive and making strides in their careers but also living life to the fullest. That “all work and no play” thing is very real. It’s wonderful when we can find a happy balance that fuels a great life. I wish that for you as well! Have a great week! Something to Think About Why do some people seem to have a perfectly balanced life, while others are always late, never prepared and typically run around in a panic? Sometimes the biggest secret isn’t that they’re moving at warp speed; rather, it’s that they take the time to evaluate what they need and put those things in place to streamline their days and take care of themselves. Sound advice, don’t you think? Weekly Challenge We all have people in our lives who always seem to keep it all together; they remain balanced and stay calm no matter the situation. What’s their secret? Reach out this week to someone who appears to have it all together, and ask him/her to share the secret. Don’t be surprised if the person has the same challenges that you have. Be prepared to share a few of your secrets, as well. Words of Wisdom “Obviously everyone wants to be successful, but I want to be looked back on as being very innovative, very trusted and ethical and ultimately making a big difference in the world.” – Sergey Brin “No one lives long enough to learn everything they need to learn starting from scratch. To be successful, we absolutely, positively have to find people who have already paid the price to learn the things that we need to learn to achieve our goals.” – Brian Tracy “If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple: Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” – Will Rogers “If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want, and copy what they do, and you’ll achieve the same results.” – Tony Robbins “Successful people ask better questions and, as a result, they get better answers.” – Tony Robbins

Monday Morning Wake Up Call

Monday Morning Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

10 Lessons for a Healthier, Happier Life Welcome to this edition of the Monday Morning Wake-Up Call. I hope that you had a relaxing weekend filled with friends and family. Are you one of the millions of Americans constantly looking for a new and better way to lose weight and feel great? What if I told you that you can learn everything you need to know about fitness, health and nutrition from kids. Here are 10 things children can teach you about healthy living: 1. Everything can be a game. Why drag through the same workout routines when you can add a little fun? Make up rules, shoot for personal records, try something different – maybe fitness boxing or a trampoline gym – and regain your competitive spirit. 2. Don’t walk when you can run. Every day is full of opportunities to improve your fitness. This rule is closely related to “don’t drive when you can walk.” 3. If you don’t like it, don’t eat it. Chances are, your healthy eating habits won’t stick around long if you hate what you’re eating. Healthy eating involves balance and moderation. 4. Laughter feels good. Kids seem to inherently know that laughter can ease blood pressure, help your brain function, give you energy and help you have fun while reaching goals. 5. Playtime is important. We get so caught up in work that we forget to take time for ourselves. Not only does relaxing make life worthwhile, but it also has real health benefits. 6. The world should be full of color – especially on your dinner plate! Splash it with as many colors as possible. It’s more fun to look at, and the most colorful produce options often pack the most nutrients. 7. It’s always more fun with friends around. Children tend to gravitate toward other children. It gives them spirit and makes them want to play all day. Working out with other people is almost like having your own little playgroup. 8. Adventures are found outside. Every kid knows that the good stuff – fresh air, wide-open spaces, limitless possibilities – is in the great outdoors. Open the door, and start a new adventure every day. 9. Use your imagination. You can be anyone you want to be at any time. Give yourself permission to believe in your own superpowers, and let your mind take you wherever it wants to go. 10. Anything is possible. No fear, no self-doubt, no negative self-talk, no self-criticism, no worries, no destructive anxieties or thoughts of failure. Children believe that they can do anything. And you know what? They’re right. The truth is, when we feel better, we do better. We’re more productive and present personally and professionally. By implementing some of these great ideas borrowed from our little friends, we can infuse our lives with more energy, health, wellness and joy. And that makes us better people all around, don’t you think? Have a great week! Something to Think About I once heard someone say that the easiest way to get in shape is to follow a 5-year-old for a week and do everything that he/she does! Children that age are always running, bending, jumping and exploring. Do you have the energy to follow a 5-year-old for a week? How about a day? An hour? It’s worth a try! Weekly Challenge Make this the week where you walk instead of drive (when possible) and run instead of walk (when possible). Spend some time in the great open air – and laugh often and much. It’s good for your body, your spirit and even your business. I promise! Words of Wisdom “Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.” – John F. Kennedy “Energy and persistence conquer all things.” – Benjamin Franklin “Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.” – Earl of Derby “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryan “Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional and mental states.” – Carol Welch

MEET CHRISTINA CLOSSON

The newest member of our elite team

Graduating with her BS from State University of NY Upstate Medical University in 2007, Christina embraced her career as a Cardiac Perfusionist with all her energy, but soon something was calling to her; it was her thirst for constant improvement. Although her degree had opened tremendous opportunities, she felt confined by the medical field and yearned for something more. After a friend invited her to a seminar on real estate she was hooked.  It is this relentless pursuit of a better way that has fueled her rapid rise to success in real estate sales. Christina closed nearly 50 transactions totaling over $6.5 million in sales last year. If you are looking for a focused, high energy advocate for your next move contact Christina at 315-439-7056 or visit her website at ChristinaClosson.com.

MONDAY MORNING WAKE UP CALL

Monday Morning Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

KEEP MOVING FORWARD! Welcome to this edition of the Monday Morning Wake-Up Call. I hope that you had a fabulous weekend and, for all of our mothers out there, I hope you had a day filled with love, family, joy and many wonderful memories. You deserve it! This week's message is about life. Life doesn't always turn out the way we planned! When things don't go as planned, it's easy to just throw in the towel and quit. But before you give up on the hard work you've already done, remember the "two steps forward, one step back" philosophy. What it means is that sometimes when you're making progress and feeling good about where you're headed, you suddenly hit a setback. Don't let it get you down. Always keep moving forward, continuing to develop what you started. So how should you react when something doesn't turn out as planned? First, be objective. Step back and look at the situation. Take responsibility where it's due, but don't place blame on others. Is your setback really that significant, or will it just require a little extra exertion on your part? Come to terms with it, and then start planning your next move. Don't be afraid to ask for help from others. Most people are more than willing to offer support and advice if you ask. Bounce back. Evaluate the situation. Instead of looking at your project as a disaster or failure, view it with success. Concentrate on how great it will feel when it's finally done. Instead of focusing on the problem, take a moment to sit back and reward yourself for all that you've accomplished. Approach life with perseverance and dedication to the things that matter most to you. Success is never easy. It's up to you whether you will give up or fight through the tough battles to earn whatever it is you want. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT This portion of a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson is quite telling: "Finish each day And be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and Absurdities have crept in. Forget them as soon as you can." Move on with your life. Keep reaching for your goals, and you will achieve them. One minor setback is nothing if you really want something and are willing to work for it. Have a great week! WEEKLY CHALLENGE What are your goals for 2015? Did you set a goal that was stretched? If not, take this opportunity to reset your goals and STRETCH them! WORDS OF WISDOM "What is the recipe for successful achievement? To my mind, there are just four essential ingredients: Choose a career you love, give it the best there is in you, seize your opportunities, and be a member of the team." - Benjamin Franklin Fairless "The biggest hurdle is rejection. Any business you start, be ready for it. The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is the successful people do all the things the unsuccessful people don't want to do. When 10 doors are slammed in your face, go to door number 11 enthusiastically, with a smile on your face." - John Paul DeJoria "All successful people - men and women - are big dreamers. They imagine what their future could be, ideal in every respect, and then they work every day toward their distant vision, that goal or purpose." - Brian Tracy "If you want to be truly successful, invest in yourself to get the knowledge you need to find your unique factor. When you find it and focus on it and persevere, your success will blossom." - Sydney Madwed "Successful people will always tell you that you can do something. It's the people who have never accomplished anything who will always discourage you from trying to achieve excellent things." - Lou Holtz

MONDAY MORNING WAKE UP CALL

Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

Aim HIGH! Welcome to this edition of the Monday Morning Wake-Up Call. I hope that you had a fabulous weekend filled with enjoyment. I once heard someone say, “Shoot low, they are riding Shetlands!” They were talking about our expectations of others. As funny as that sounds, should we expect a low standard of others or – more importantly – ourselves, or should we aim high? Aiming high is the practice of setting high, ambitious goals and being motivated to achieve them. It’s based on the belief that the only barrier between you and success is you: What you believe you can achieve, you will. But if you believe that you will not or cannot achieve it, then you probably won’t! Here’s the challenge: Aiming too high may discourage you if you’re not on track to hit the goal, but not aiming high enough may stop you from growing to your fullest potential. It’s impossible to know how high is too high, but I suggest aiming slightly higher than what seems reasonable and allowing some margin for what you still deem acceptable. I always say that a goal is what you know you can do… with a stretch! The stretch is what makes it a goal. The same applies to your business. Don’t sell yourself short, and don’t create mental barriers that may stop you from realizing your fullest potential. Why aim for moderate success when there’s a possibility that you could be the top agent in your office or even in your community? Wishing you success. Have a great week! Something to Think About I was recently talking to a friend who said that no matter what she tries, she always fails! My advice was to tackle things with a different belief system – try believing that she could do it. Her response was, “If I always fail, how do I convince myself that I can succeed?” On the surface, that’s a valid point. But here’s the question I want you to think about: Do you fail because you believe you will fail? If so, could changing your belief system change your outcome? Try it. You may totally surprise yourself in the best possible way. Weekly Challenge Choose one thing in your life that has been a challenge. Make May the month that you conquer that challenge. Words of Wisdom “Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers, you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale “Believe you can, believe you can’t: either way you are right!” – Henry Ford “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer “Successful people maintain a positive focus in life no matter what is going on around them. They stay focused on their past successes rather than their past failures, and on the next action steps they need to take to get them closer to the fulfillment of their goals rather than all the other distractions that life presents to them.” – Jack Canfield “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” – Booker T. Washington