Times seem to be pretty good. There is no question that Canada dodged the mess that the rest of the world is still experiencing. Supply of homes is tight and the supply of buyers very healthy. It’s actually hard to believe we ever had any tough times in the past.
For those of us in the business of real estate for over 20 years, we remember the more difficult times. There were high interest rates of over 14%, and when I started selling real estate in 1989 part of the process was discounting mortgages. This was in some cases more important than the house itself. The early 90′s were truly difficult times and I will add that I was very young, barely had a reason to shave and approximately 30 pounds lighter.
I will never forget the turning point of my sales career and my life. It was the fall of 1992 and after three years of mediocrity, I was approached by my father that the life line from him is going to stop. He made it very clear that real estate may not be the ideal career for me and that maybe it’s time to reconsider some other career choices. It was a soul opening conversation. For the first time in my life it made me think and ask myself, what is holding me back? Is it fear of failure?
No! It’s fear of success
I was more concerned that my present circle of friends wouldn’t accept me. I feared that if I was successful, my friends wouldn’t be happy for me. Think about it. Success creates as big a change as any and we want to be accepted. This feeling of self sabotage may be deep in our subconscious and it’s important we ask ourselves if it affects us as well. Lastly if they’re truly friends, they should be happy for you.
There are two types of personalities. One that agrees and accepts defeat and one that gets upset and commits to change. My father had the confidence and knew the type of personality I possessed. I made a definitive promise to him and myself that I will make it happen within six months. I immediately put myself into action, never looked back and since I’m writing this email its evidence of my success.
Do I have all the same friends? No but I now have true ones
Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage
Filed under: Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions Tagged: | Career Building and Coaching, Careers at REMAX, Personal Stories and Opinions, Remax Careers
How true that our inner beliefs become a self-fulfilling prophecy! Great for you that you benefitted from that life changing “no” from your dad. I too had a similar epiphany when I was a bit lighter and a bit younger! Believing in ourselves is the first step toward everything! Good for you – I am always rooting for you!