Worthwhile Ways to Welcome What’s Ahead

Welcome to 2023.

A new year, A fresh start. A story that hasn’t been written yet.

Like many people, I always think of a few things that I will try and work on in the new year and see how long I can keep them in my focus. It started with three simple ideas…

1. Wake up every day and choose my attitude.
2. Drink more water. I am not very good at staying hydrated. I’ll drink an iced coffee or soda and enjoy my beers and bourbon in the evenings but I’ve never been a big water drinker. This year I really want to get better at that as I believe it will help me stay a little healthier.
3. Walk every day. Between age and knee surgery in the past, running just isn’t much of an option anymore. I really will be aiming to get some regular cardio workouts in each day and walking a few miles. I can pop in my earbuds and listen to my podcasts while I get my energy started for the day ahead.

That was going to be it. Three simple concepts that would help make me a little better each day. Some people set one big New Year’s resolution while others choose a word of the year as their theme or mantra. As I reviewed my three words, I realized there was some alliteration there with words starting with W.

Thinking about it a little more, I realized that W is the 23rd letter of the alphabet and this is now 2023. So why should I limit myself to just 3 things to focus on? Why not come up with 20 more thoughts, ideas, or reminders that just might help me make ’23 an amazing year? Here’s the rest of my list…

4. W-I-N. Legendary football coach Lou Holtz always taught his players the W-I-N Philosophy. It stands for “What’s Important Now?” When you can answer that question multiple times each day, it really helps you prioritize your time and efforts.

5. What can I do to become better today? Stop competing with and comparing yourself to others. Be the best “you” you can be today and then tomorrow, #BecomeBetter.

6. Where is the next opportunity? Just keep looking and listening. It’s out there.

7. We, not me. Even in a business where most Realtors are independent contractors, build your business around a team of professionals who help you provide memorable experiences to your customers, clients, and community. Surround yourself with lenders, title partners, a manager or broker, coaches, or fellow agents who will be there to encourage and support you.

8. Worry less.

9. Watch something daily that will inspire or educate. This could be a video on YouTube or social media or it could be something on television.

10. Work-life balance is kind of a bullshit concept. The word “balance” implies that you are working as much as you’re “doing life.” For those of you reading this who are in a career like real estate there really is no 5 o’clock end to our days. I prefer to aim for a “work-life harmony” where I can bring my energy from my career home to my family and I can use the rest and relaxation I get from my family to my work. Watch this short clip of Amazon’s Jeff Bezos talking about the concept.

11. Wonder more. You’ll never know everything so always ask more questions.

12. Wander more. I love going places I’ve never been…even in my own town. Shortcuts are great but when you take the shortcut, you’re usually in a hurry so you don’t pay much attention to the scenery. Every now and then, take the long way. There are some pretty cool people, places, and things out there.

13. Weed out anything or anyone who brings a negative vibe into your world. Use the “unfollow”, “unfriend”, and “mute” options on social media and click that “unsubscribe” option a few more times this year. (Except for this blog. I’m thankful you’re here).

14. Who’s next? Ask that more. Instead of asking people “do you know anyone who might be looking to buy or sell?”, instead ask “Who is the next person you know that will be moving?”

15. Write more handwritten notes. Who doesn’t love getting a moment of your time in their mailbox?

16. Witness more sunrises. There’s always something magical and inspiring about seeing a new day begin.

17. Wait a little bit longer to speak.

18. Be more whimsical. Life doesn’t follow a script so you’re gonna have to ad-lib. Get creative and do more fun shit…just because.

19. Be someone’s wingman. Who is that person that knows you have their back? Who is someone who gets energy from you? You never know when a fist bump, high-five, or hug might be needed.

20. Never underestimate my worth.

21. Waste time every now and then. Enjoy a long lunch. Read a fiction book. Take a nap in a hammock. As Bertrand Russell says, “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”

22. Find more opportunities to “wow!” This could be customers and clients or it could be family or friends. Heck, sometimes even going out of your way to make a stranger feel seen is going to make someone say “wow!”

23. Wager on myself…and never be afraid to go “all in”!

It’s time to build relationships, solve problems, and have fun.

Doesn’t that sound wonderful?