Happy New Year!!

It feels weird to type “2022”. But here we are!

2021 was certainly an interesting year. I won’t waste time recapping things on a macro level except to say that I’m glad progress has been made against the pandemic although I had sincerely hoped that it would be mostly behind us by now.

On a micro level, 2021 was quite a year for me personally and professionally. I’ve never been busier in my life, and I’ve gained some level of confidence that I can make it outside a traditional corporate job.

On the good side of things, the people I helped buy and sell homes all walked away very happy. It took time and patience, but everyone ended up in a good place. I learned a lot about negotiations and about the value in focusing on the people involved much less than the process or the transaction.

I almost doubled my production with loan signings and again learned the value of treating people right rather than chasing dollars. Being able to take a breath and step back when things get tough has proven to be an invaluable skill.

2021 also brought some painful business lessons as well. I had two people walk away from closings less than a week before the papers were to be signed. I did a lot of work in both situations and walked away completely empty handed. While I understand that those folks did what they had to do, it had a terrible impact on my business as I am not yet successful enough to absorb large losses easily.

Most of all, I’ve learned that I don’t want to spend the rest of my life living on other people’s schedules, and having so little control over so many variables.

I did everything I could for the two buyers who walked away, their decisions were based on their personal circumstances, and they were simply doing what was best for them. I handled everything in my control, but the variables outside my control proved to be harsh.

Loan signings have kept me busy, but the stress and anxiety is at times overwhelming. Title companies treat us like children, and they withhold a large percentage of the fee’s we are supposed to earn. Too many times documents aren’t ready or appointments are cancelled (or rescheduled) out of the blue.

Again, the common theme of so many variables outside my control.

I spent 2021 learning, doing my best to be on top of the things I can control, and trying to deal with the things I can’t control.

I’ve learned a ton, almost like trying to sip water from a fire hose!

As I look to 2022, there are a number of things I can improve, but most of all I need to wrap my head around one simple idea, I don’t want my earnings to depend on so many variables over which I have no control, and I don’t want to be tied down to other people’s schedules.

Put simply, I want to be in control of my income, and I want to be able to work anywhere in the world where I can get on the internet.

I’ve met countless wonderful people and seen numerous beautiful places in NY that I didn’t even know existed, but in 2022 I have to take steps towards a better life.

I’m grateful for all I’ve learned and experienced in the past year, and I’m excited to apply it to making more progress in 2022.

And on a more personal level, 2021 is the first year in memory that I did not experience any type of abuse from a partner. After two years of savage abuse in my marriage, time in counseling, and finally the realization that I do not need to allow that kind of thing in my life, 2021 was the year where everything changed.

I was fortunate enough to meet a couple people and while we didn’t develop a long term relationship, they were genuinely good humans, and they were exceptionally nice to me. While it may seem silly, that is not something I’ve been used to, and I take it as an indication that I can now recognize a healthy relationship, and that I can attract a person capable of being in a healthy relationship.

I leave 2021 behind with gratitude having learned so much. I’ve met wonderful people, and quite honestly I’ve survived and proven that I can pick myself up off the floor and keep going. I’ve realized that the most successful people aren’t necessarily the smartest or wealthiest, rather they are the people who keep going no matter how many times they get knocked down.

Thank you 2021, and welcome 2022!