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It’s the New Year and the frequent topic of discussion at the beginning of each year is our list of resolutions.  Well, I have accumulated quite a few over the years while working in the Calgary real estate market, and I’ll just say that I have made quite a few realizations over the years about resolutions.

Change is a Gradual Process

It is one thing to desire to change and it is another thing to actually realize it. Resolutions are great and everyone has a list somewhere. These lists usually have eating healthy, exercising more, calling friends and family more often, or even something as mundane as taking the trash out on time.  Now, all these resolutions are great, but I think we have to be nice to ourselves and not expect that we should accomplish everything in our list in one go. It’s like searching for a home where you don’t simply take the shotgun method and scour the entire Calgary real estate market in one day. Instead, you visit one or two open houses in a day, take note of what you like or not like about the property and methodically go through your list of requirements. It’s the same way for changing ourselves via resolutions—we take things slowly and methodically. First, we choose one particular resolution we want to tackle and, second, we stick to the resolution until it becomes habit. In my case, I wanted to cut down on sugar so I decided to cut down my soda intake. I told myself, instead of drinking soda, I would drink water instead. After a month, it was wonderful to see that I had created for myself a new, healthier habit! It’s really about being patient, mindful, and methodical.

Making Your List

I tend to think resolutions are starting to become pretty generic at times. While it’s great that a lot of individuals are getting conscious about their health, their eating habits, or just trying to connect better with friends and family, sometimes, you have to wonder if those resolutions are indeed yours or someone else’s. If they aren’t your resolutions or you don’t feel too strongly about the particular list of changes, chances are that you won’t stick to them. The great thing, however, about the start of the year is that it is a good chance to assess what we truly want to see in our lives. Now, it doesn’t have to be these large and abstract goals, though those can be great too. However, if a goal is too daunting, just go for something simpler and mundane. In my case, I opted for simpler goals which I thought I could easily accomplish without getting sidetracked. Here’s my list from a years back that should illustrate my idea:

• Take my family out to more cross-country skiing trips
• Have a fresh fruit smoothie everyday
• Join a marketing seminar/course
• Figure Twitter out
  

Think Small, but Genuine Change

My list fits a broad idea of what it is that I’d like to see in my life or attain for myself. For example, I know that I may not know everything there is to know about the Calgary real estate market so I am always in favor of education or at least keeping myself up-to-date. I want to have a healthier diet, but I was not too keen, at that time, on following a strict regimen so I opted for having a fresh fruit smoothie as often as I could. In short, I was looking for specific and attainable goals which worked well for me and I knew I was passionate about.

Now, before this blog post becomes a lot longer than it should, I’ll just end it with this reminder: Be patient with yourselves, go for the things you care about, and stick to your resolutions. With that, have a happy New Year!

Know someone who is looking to make a decision in real estate? If you know any friends, family, or co-workers who are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate within the next six months, would you forward this email to them or reply with their contact information? I’ll send them important information about the Calgary, AB surrounding area real estate market and politely ask for their business. I greatly appreciate your valued referrals; it’s the only way I build my business. You can reach me at this number: 403-589-0004

Bryon Howard is a top producing real estate agent with Re-Max House of Real Estate in Calgary, Alberta. He is in love with his high school sweetheart, an enthusiastic Dad & is crazy about endurance sports. To learn more about Bryon and his real estate tips, head on over to his website