Who are you making a difference for?

I recently read a story that needed to be shared:

While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking up something and throwing it back into the ocean.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently, back into the water.

The old man smiled and said, “I must ask then why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”

To this the young man replied, “The sun is up and tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”

Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, “But young man do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”

The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”

Everyday we have the opportunity to impact the lives of the people around us. Don't waste a single day.

Updates on the real estate market in Plymouth, MA 7-17-09

This has been another exciting week in real estate! Here are a few of the highlights this week:

- HGTV announces the Pinehills will be the featured spot for their upcoming eco-friendly Green home build!! Check out the HGTV video: Video . Related article: Wicked Local.com .

- Exciting news for first time home buyers in MA! Governor Deval Patrick announced earlier this week that through the Mass Housing Program, first time buyers will be able to use their $8000 tax credit towards their down payment. Check out more info: Governor Deval Patrick website. Here is more info on how the program works: Mass Housing website

- Interest rates fall again this week to 5.14% (.7 point).Click here for more info

These are exciting times with loads of opportunity for buyers AND sellers. Know someone thinking about moving but is undecided whether its the right time for them? Know someone ready to take advantage of the best time to buy in decades?? Please give me a call with their name and number - I'll take great care of them!

Thought for the day

Did you know…
48% of sales people never follow up with a prospect
25% of sales people make a second contact and stop
12% of sales people only make 3 contacts and stop
Only 10% of sales people make more than 3 contacts

2% of sales are made on the first contact
3% of sales are made on the second contact
5% of sales are made on the third contact
10% of sales are made on the fourth contact
80% of sales are made on the fifth to twelfth contact

“Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.” Richard Bach

“Will you look back on life and say, "I wish I had," or "I'm glad I did?" Zig Ziglar

Today you have a choice.......

The Sculptor's Attitude

I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have.

Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or...I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.

Today I can feel sad that I don't have money or...I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.

Today I can grumble about my health or...I can rejoice that I am alive.

Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing up or...I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.

Today I can cry because roses have thorns or...I can celebrate that thorns have roses.

Today I can mourn my lack of friends or...I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships.

Today I can whine because I have to go to work or...I can shout for joy because I have a job to do.

Today I can complain because I have to go to school or...Eagerly open my mind and fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.

Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or...I can feel honored because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.

Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am the sculptor who gets to do the shaping.

What today will be is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!

Have a GREAT DAY...unless you have other plans.

-Author Unknown

Friday's quote

"Life is 10% what you make it and 90% how you take it."
~Irving Berlin

Steps to Boost your Professional Self-Esteem

It's important to stay focused in these crazy, busy days. Here are 7 steps to take action on and boost your professional self-esteem:

1. Set specific goals for your business.
2. Set a deadline to achieve these goals.
3. Track your progress on a weekly basis.
4. Get face-to-face with your A Clients with business luncheons.
5. Make sure there is a tangible benefit or celebration after every goal is achieved.
6. Get results in all areas of your life not just your favorite.
7. Be content with yourself when your goals have been achieved.

Today's quote

“If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.” (Regina Brett)

A day in my life

Today was a typical day - it went something like this:

4:45am wake up (without an alarm clock)
5:00am work in home office
6:30am workout at gym
7:15am take a shower; helped hubby get my 7 year old off to school; got ready for work
9:00am work day 'officially' starts; busy with appointments, phone calls and real estate stuff
5:00pm word day ends - dinner with family
5:30pm Clean up after dinner; give kids a bath, laundry, mom stuff
7:30pm kids in bed
7:45pm put older kid BACK to bed
8:00pm collapse on the coach - first time relaxing all day
9:00pm passed out - off to bed!

Tomorrow I'll do it all over again - 6 days a week. Am I complaining?? Well, it's a tiring, often stressful schedule. When I'm not dealing with the challenges of running a business in this day in age, I'm dealing with raising 2 children in this day in age. To think back before I was married and had kids, life was easy, wasn't it?? But back then it wasn't. How did it become so busy? So complicated? It sneaks up on you. Looking at my schedule, it may seem like I'm complaining. Well, lets see.......

I have a terrific husband of 15 years that has stood by me during these crazy economic times and never doubts that I will be successful in my real estate career. He's a wonderful husband and father (he cooks, he cleans, he changes diapers - need I say more?).

I have 2 beautiful, healthy children who have smiles that light up the room. One look at them at the end of the day makes everything seem right.

I have a roof over my head, food in the cabinets, cars in the driveway and most importantly, my health.

So, am I complaining about the long hours and the crazy schedule??? Not at all - I consider myself lucky:)

Give yourself a boost!

On a daily basis we are bombarded with negativity - from the media, our peers, our clients and sometimes our family. This does a nasty job on our self esteem so it's important that we constantly seek ways to keep our energy level and self confidence level high.
Here are 7 ways to help increase your self esteem:

1. Use affirmations on a daily basis. ("Everything works out right for me" is a favorite.)
2. Associate with positive, supportive people.
3. Make a list of your past successes.
4. Regular exercise. (At least 4 days a week)
5. Reward yourself for accomplishments. (Game of golf, massage or go for a walk)
6. Acknowledge others. (Try this--you'll feel better!)
7. Read positive books and listen to inspiring music.

How do you keep yourself uplifted?