In 1974, Morris Albert recorded this Grammy award winning song. At that time, it was considered one of the most strongly emotive and moving melodies. As time has gone by, when viewed in hindsight, the same lyrics that won a Grammy have often been lampooned as the sappiest song ever written.

Whether you like the song or not, feelings can be very dangerous for your business. In today’s market, there are lot of emotions; fear, anxiety, frustration and regret. Maybe you don’t know where your next commission check is coming from. Maybe you’re consumed with fear about where the economy and this market are going. Maybe you’re dealing with frustrated sellers who constantly focus on how much their home used to be worth as opposed to what’s it’s worth today. Perhaps you even have a ready, willing and able buyer who’s just afraid to pull the trigger because they don’t want to pay too much for a house.

The answer for a professional is to manage their emotions by keeping perspective. You need to know the historical trends of this business, how good of an investment real estate is (check out www.housingmarketfacts.com), and keep track of your own daily activities so you know you’re doing your best each day.

Feelings are great things. They let you know you’re alive. Personally they deliver the highs and the lows of the human experience. When it comes to your business, feelings don’t help at all. Manage your emotions, manage your business and manage your success.

How many calls, notes, Pop-Bys and business to business meetings are you having?

It's a good life!

Brian

As I travel the world telling people how to grow their business and improve their quality of life, I always reference Zig Ziglar’s mantra of turning your car into a mobile university. I’ve listened to many courses on self-development and books on tape - all of which have benefited me greatly.

But there are times to just shut it all off!

Now I won’t drift into the talk radio arena, but music can stir your spirit, refresh your mind and ignite your emotions. Sometimes I want to play it loud and sing along. Occasionally… something cool just for fun. But ultimately, I love to play some beautiful instrumental that just allows me to think. Our lives are all so hectic that we get swept up with what we’re doing as opposed to why we’re doing it.

I know the Irish are musical, but it’s not just the paddies! When Confucius was asked about controlling a culture, they asked him would you rather control their food, their armies or their government. He said “none of the above…let me have their music and I’ll have their people.”

I will play the same instrumental song over and over until I can no longer consciously hear it. It is during these drives that I seem to be at my most creative, get my best ideas and have the greatest clarity.

It seems to help. At least the savage beast within thinks so!

It’s a good life!

Brian