Richard Barbee

It is very easy to lose heart. It is far too easy.

Steadfast is one of my favorite words. Can you see this word in action? A traveler, stepping against the chilling winds, lowers his head with total resolve to move forward. No steep road or falling rain could penetrate his decision to break through. External circumstances and internal battles cannot stop him.

There are many ways to envision steadfast. A mother's love in the face of illness or change, a police officer watching the streets to protect all of us, and a brother sitting beside the hospital bed of an injured sibling are all illustrations.

But as much as steadfast may refer to love and compassion, it is also about being tough and staying strong. With the real estate market and general economy in question, those in the home industry must be steadfast.

What makes one steadfast?

1. Perception - We must maintain a bigger perspective than the current situation. If we allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by the previous month and the next month, we will falter. We must take into account the ebb and flow of all economies. There is a cyclical nature to sales.

2. Thought - We must choose to think powerfully and rationally. There are options that we can take. We don't have to sit back passively and wait for something good to happen. Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're probably right." How we think affects our performance.

3. Emotion - Our thoughts produce certain feelings. We must monitor our feelings daily. Angry, sad, fearful, and stressed emotions decrease our productivity. We must expose ourselves to positive experiences during down times. Go to the zoo, ride a roller coaster, take in a live stage performance, work out, or something else in order to regenerate.

4. Support - It is wise to keep a close-knit support group. Loners and the lonely may find motivation hard to achieve. Stay close to the fire that others provide. You may add fire for them also. Stay connected to others in your profession and others outside your profession. Remember that your family and your friends give you energy (most of the time ha ha ha).

5. Action - Choose to act in the face of discouragement. Act!!! Act!!! Do something. One of my favorite songs goes, "You got to get up, get out and do something; 'cause you and I got to do for you and I." Take responsibility for your career and do something. It may not be "The One" things that will solve every problem. But, stay active!

6. Celebrate Success - Take a moment to appreciate the good things that are happening. Celebration breeds additional motivation.