A YULETIDE GREETING …

Over the past year these weekly Mojos were intended to share a journey of reflection for the purpose of inspiring, questioning, and ultimately engaging in a conversation with you and those close to you.  As you gather your family and friends during this holiday season, I hope that in this moment you stop to reflect on the meaning of this holiday season for you and those closest to you.  Laying aside the trials and tribulations of the past year, find a place within that brings perspective in to your life … for most that will probably not be the job, money or material possessions, but the journey of the spirit and your connection with other like-minded friends and family!!  So as we track Santa (ah, the little jewel in this reflection for all of us who share this moment with little children or grand kids) this Christmas Eve, I challenge each of us to find our authentic self in the connection that has lasting value.  Not the meaning that others might place on this time of the year; but find a quiet place in your heart that connects to your ‘big why’. 

I hope that over the next couple of days, you are able to put the ‘to-do’ lists down and just observe those around you and truly cherish these moments!!  Beyond those closest to you, I also wish to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share these Mojos; for engaging in a conversation with me over this past year; and most of all allowing me to be a part of your life. 

I close each Mojo by saying “each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand” … for some these words may seem an empty prose that is an appropriate conclusion to each blog.  For me, these words summarize a feeling within that each person who crosses my path, engages with me on any level, challenges me, and who inspires me are gifts in my life that will forever enrich my journey.  There are no words that appropriately capture how significant for me your part in my life continues to be and how you shape my saunter through this life.  So at this time, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you AND wish you and your loved ones the joy, love, friendship and memorable moments that you so richly deserve!!  May your God bless all that you are and all that you hold dear in your life in this moment and beyond!!  Jim Peys

WHAT IS YOUR BIG ‘WHY’?

This past week I attended a real estate seminar on “lead generation” presented by Rick Geha.  Rick did a great job presenting a topic, although extremely important, has few new concepts that the roomful of realtors have not heard previously.  The big ‘BUT’ is the central message at the core of his presentation … mindset.  He posed a question that has me thinking … and I will admit that I’m struggling to identify my personal answer.

The question posed was – “What is your ‘big why’?  What is my ‘big why’ that will drive me through the boredom and repetition of consistent lead generation.  Another way to pose the same question is ‘what is my life’s passion?’  ‘What is my burning desire?’  I will admit that several answers came to mind quickly when he posed the questions.  My mind went through a checklist of possibilities – money; financial freedom; legacy; family; the creative process; to help people; and contribution, etc.  Although these reasons are significant for me and to so degree or another personal drivers, they are “little whys” not really THE BIG WHY.

I envy people who can rattle off their ‘big why’ with certainty and clarity.  But I’m not yet in that category, and so I continue to search for answers.  What is your ‘big why’?  What absolutely drives you when all else tells you just to settle or excuses not to do something seem easiest; but you make a different choice in the moment.  What is your burning desire or your life passion?

Okay a few of you might be saying … who cares?  Just do it.  Why does it really matter?  Well because life places obstacles in our path to challenge us and make us question just how bad we want it.  When events go against us, or boredom sets in or our results are less than we expect; if we don’t have a really ‘big why’ we might find ourselves unwilling to power through the difficult periods.  Rick challenged me to identify and become crystal clear on my ‘big why’ – that single concept was worth the day!

Simple right?  Now if I could only identify my ‘big why’.  How about you … let me know what your ‘big why’ is?

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider what your ‘big why’ is as we approach 2010.  Most importantly, I hope you make it a GREAT day and week!!  If you wish to read all the other Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome your feedback and if I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  And, thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Also, Happy Holidays to you and your family!!  Jim Peys

ARE YOU OPEN TO THE POSSIBILITIES …

As 2009 ebbs to a close, I wondered recently if I have closed myself off from new ideas, different ways of looking at issues, new technologies, opportunities, or new models, etc?  Am I truly open to a different way, or am I just settling for what I know or understand?  I realize this might be a rather obtuse thought as you prepare for the holidays; but hang in there with me for a moment and maybe I can clarify.

I am working on several different initiatives in my business; and consistent with the Keller Williams model I was discussing these concepts with a few realtors for clarity and to build consensus.  For the most part I was greeted with curious skepticism; however, in a half a dozen (keep in mind we have a couple hundred realtors) conversations the realtors reaction caught me by surprise.  Their reaction went something like … “don’t talk to me about any new ideas or business opportunities, I’m not interested in even listening” and furthermore, “I don’t even want to think about doing anything different than what I have been doing for years.” 

Intellectually I can understand this reaction; however, in this business climate and the dramatic changes occurring in the real estate industry these realtors don’t have this luxury.  Status quo and standing on ‘antiquated’ principles (‘antiquated’ not because of age, but because they are not where buyers and sellers are in today’s market) is risky in this ‘new economy’.  Then I began to wonder (as I often do), am I in some way closing myself to new ideas, concepts, opinions, opportunities, technology, models, etc?  When I was a teenager arguing with my dad about politics, war, business and modern trends my judgment was that he was just closed to anything new, different, innovative, etc.  I vowed not to be like him as I aged … and as I look out at the precipice of technological change and innovation I wonder …?

Regardless of age, education, experience or circumstances are you truly open to new methods, new ideas, opportunities, thoughts and evolving technologies?  Or, are you settling for the same old reliable methods because they are easier than change?  Or worse, are you deluding yourself into believing that you are open and trying something new or different because you are venturing into email, cell phones or even Facebook?  My guess is that we are all guilty of the latter to some degree because it can be unnerving to continue pushing your self to the edge and really giving serious consideration to true change.  Hell, consider how every year people rush to establish New Year’s resolutions only to break them by February 1^st. 

Don’t misinterpret my thoughts as suggesting that we need to consider change for change sake.  I don’t believe that is ever the solution; however, if we show up to the party closed minded we never give ourselves the chance to move past our own ‘box’ to see great opportunities or ideas when they smack us in the face.  Historically, this Country has been built on innovation and openness to new ideas, new trends, opportunities … essentially our greatness has been defined, in part, to the acceptance of our differences and not just settling for same old same old.  

Befitting with this tangent, I read a CNN article (click the CNN hyperlink to view the article) this weekend about 10 web trends to watch out for in 2010.  Admittedly, I don’t really understand the significance of every trend mentioned … yet!  But more important for me is to remain open to the journey (keep an open mind), and to explore their application or merit in my life, my business … because at the end of the day I just never know where this journey may lead me.  And that really does make the prospect of a new day and a new year something to look forward to … at least for me!

I hope you enjoyed the reflection, and take the time to consider how these questions may present opportunities for you today and in 2010.  Most importantly, I hope you make it a GREAT day and week!!  If you wish to read all the other Mojos written for you, then visit: http://mondaymojo.blogspot.com.  As always, I welcome and encourage your feedback and your reflections (please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with me).  If I can be of service to you or your friends, please let me know or visit us at http://www.coastalcommunityhomes.com.  And, thank you for your continued support and inspiration … each of you are a cherished gift that enriches my life in ways you will never understand … Thank you!!  Jim Peys