Crows Couch

I'm still not fat, and yet I'm still working with my coach

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Follow up #2 (original post and follow up #1 below for the complete story)

Just before I hit my Wed 7:00pm appt with my fitness coach (yes, I miss dinner with my family for this)...going on 2.5 months of working with my fitness coach. Not even 90 days in to the habit...I'm still working on it, still determined to maintain this healthy discipline. I'm starting to see the physical results, though I have to happily admit i felt the energy results from the first week. I know that the discipline has changed me for the better already...I do also have to admit, it is still not a habit yet. I have noticed that if it weren't for the appointment, or if Bill or a friend decides not to go with me...I am more inclined to choose motivation over determination.

I still need my coach. Does it cost me an arm and a leg? yep. So I make sacrifices in other areas, because this is an investment in my WHOLE BEING. HEALTH, EDUCATION, RELATIONSHIPS. Invest in those things. I don't feel like going tonight. I feel like writing more. I had a long and great day and would love to tell you all about it, AND I'm committed to blowing that steam off with my trainer...I'm determined and will keep the appointment and know in the end it will take me one step closer! What do you need to be determined to do? What coach do you need to hire? Who do you need to enlist in your support team, so that YOU WILL DO what it takes?

Original POST:

I'm not fat so I hired a Coach
>> 16 NOVEMBER 2008
I am not fat. I have never been fat. I come from skinny people and I am a skinny person, tall too. I am the kind of girl that women hate because I am thin. We all know the saying, "looks can be deceiving.I am not fat. I have never been fat. I come from skinny people and I am a skinny person, tall too. I am the kind of girl that women hate because I am thin. We all know the saying, "looks can be deceiving...."

But I am NOT healthy. I am in a high stress, high demand, emotionally taxing position as a coach. I work even when I am not working. I eat at my desk barely chewing between bites of whatever is easy and fast. My office is far from my home and I spend much time sitting in the car in the stressful traffic. When I get home, it is dinner with the family and then usually exhausted I head to bed early, merely from a lack of energy. Even after a full 8 hours of rest, I don't want to get up, because I'm "tired." When I do get out for fun I tire easily and have little stamina READ THE REST
UPDATE #1 ---> a bit of what I'm learning from my coach.
a bit of what I'm learning from my coach.
>> 28 NOVEMBER 2008
12 days ago, I hired a fitness coach and I've been consistent in meeting with him, and doing what he asks of me on my own.

Today, the day after not one, but two, glutenous meals for thanksgiving, I woke up sore from my last lifting session two days ago and headed to the gym. Tuesday, I'd been very specific with him about some goals and the relatively short time line in which to achieve those (beach vacation on December 26th-- something about looking a bit firmer in a bikini).

So the last two sessions have been completely different from the first two. The weights have been heavier, the reps longer and the rest in between shorter (and of course the soreness more intense). Tuesday my coach said, "You gave me a target and we are going to hit it." while I was practically killing myself under the weight of a barbell or something. Each set I was pushed to my limits, but I did not fail. I completed the work out...
... READ THE REST

It is 2015- are you still in real estate or did you fall behind the times?

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 23:44:00 +0000

Thanks to Elaine Garner for passing this info on. Elaine has been in the business since 86 and has a facebook page, is learning to txt and watch out twitter….she’ll take you by storm next. What ways will we need to adapt and change to communicate with people in the upcoming years?

Agent 2015 will possess:

Generational communication skills. Different generations communicate in different ways. National Association of Realtors statistics indicated that 78.8 percent of first time homebuyers in 2007 were Gen-X/Gen-Y. “Speaking the language” of these generations may be an important differentiator in the coming years as these age groups (generations) move out and up.

Negotiation skills. Would you accept as your representative a real estate agent who is not a competent negotiator? This is an area in great need of improvement in today’s world. Note that negotiation skills and communication skills go hand in hand.

Technology skills. Nothing fancy, but prospecting and marketing must be automated and agents must be able to reach more people more easily and must be in the “center of the conversation” about real estate, not merely in the “center of the transaction” which was the buzz phrase of the last decade. Client management and online transaction management software will become more widespread.

Online social skills. Social networking for prospects and for referrals. As more relationships will begin online in coming years, and old relationships are rekindled online, social networking skills will gain in value to the successful agent of the future, which leads to the next skill: the ability to express oneself in writing.

Writing skills. The agent of the future will be able to express him or herself in writing. The lost art of writing will make a comeback.

Success in real estate sales in the future will require product knowledge, sales skills and access to customers, and service with integrity. In an age of transparency, the comment, “Your reputation precedes you,” could not be more true.

Saul Klein is president and CEO for InternetCrusade and CEO for Point2 Technologies.

Hunker Down or Dream? What will you choose?

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 14:38:00 +0000

My Friend Terrill Fischer shared this with me on Facebook yesterday. He had no idea how close I'd come to "hunkering down" instead of dreaming when it came across the wire: thanks for sharing Terrill

I was reading this post in a The MondayMorningMemo© of Roy H. Williams, the Wizard of Ads® a few weeks ago.... here is something in that really hit me between the eyes.

"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible."
– T. E. Lawrence (of Arabia)

Hunker down or dream. It's your call.

The 7 Steps to Hunkering Down:
1. Stay scared. Call it "street smart."
2. Cultivate cynicism. Call it "straight talk."
3. Praise pessimism. Call it a "reality check."
4. Believe you are wiser than everyone else.
5. Feel secretly superior.
6. Take no action that might improve your condition.
7. Crow "I told you so" when things get worse.

The 7 Steps to Pursuing Your Dream
1. Know what you're trying to make happen.
2. Expect good things to happen for you.
3. Plant seeds of good things daily.
4. Trust that some of your seeds will grow.
5. Measure success by your own criteria.
6. Make progress daily without fail.
7. Believe in the power of the Elbs. (Exponential Little Bits)

Do you believe in your dream, or do you think it's only a fantasy?

The MondayMorningMemo© of Roy H. Williams, the Wizard of Ads®
The Memo's home on the Web is at http://www.mondaymorningmemo.com

Want Clients and Contracts? DO THIS EVERY DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Prospect (ask "Who do you know that needs to buy or sell real estate? Can I sell your house? Can I help you buy property?"-- you have to ask or it isn't prospecting
Follow up with all leads
Set appointments (at least one a week)

That simple. If you do ANYTHING, do those three things. Those three things lead to these three things:

Go on listing appointments and take listings
Get buyer's representation agreements and show buyers
Write contracts

If you are not doing the first three, why do you think all the busy-ness that you are involved in will lead you to the 2nd three. If you are a REALTOR and are not doing the first three, you are not really working and you are not earning any money. Look at the truth, accept it and pick up the phone.

creative common's photo by by hyku

I love to fail!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:11:00 +0000

http://tickledbylife.com/index.php/i-love-to-fail/

Determination will Kick Motivations As*

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:26:00 +0000

I will bet everything on my faithful friend Determination.

So many of us often root for Motivation. We look for him, we conjure him, we seek him in others hoping he might bleed on us. We lament not waking up next to him and often blame our lack of success, happiness, or results on not feeling intertwined in his arms. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy the high that Motivation can give me. Just being in his presence is electric, thrilling, and stimulating. I enjoy the work that I get done, and all the accomplishment Motivation can deliver.

My gripe with Motivation is that he is an unfaithful dog. He is a fleeting feeling that shows up only when he feels like it and on his own terms. When he's with me we roll on full steam and when he leaves....I instantly become like a blah bowl of plain, boring oatmeal just thick and stuck.

Now into the ring comes Determination...sponsored by. Everlast. He is not flashy and he is not loud. He is steadfast and calm. He is simply--a concrete decision. Merriam Webster call him:

a) a judicial decision settling and ending a controversy
b) the act of deciding definitely and firmly

I dare say that Motivation doesn't have the skills to settle and end the controversy of the inconsistencies that hold you back in business or in you relationships. Rooting for Motivation automatically means being a fair weather fan.

Ah, and Determination- the quiet, steady, faithful and always victorious champion. Once you make the choice to bet on him-- he will not leave. He will show up even when you are not pretty, when you don't care. He will push you even when you feel like you are not able. He will drag you to success and accomplishment when you are handcuffed to Fear. Actually, Determination has already kicked Fear's as*. Determination will remind you of your friends Results, Success, & The Top. He will constantly keep your BIG WHY at the front of your mind. You can not fail with him.

I challenge you to side with Determination. Oh and when you do, you join Relentless with him. Who are you betting on?

12 questions to help you achieve your very best in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:17:00 +0000

This time of year brings reflections and questioning for many of us. What did I do well last year? What do I want to accomplish next year?

My questions for you this year, are about being your best. Ask yourself the following questions and then proceed through this new year with your answers in the top of your mind:

What would my absolute best look like?
Did I do my best last year?
What excuses did I make that I know are baloney? and am I willing to quit making excuses and get results?
What skills do I need to acquire to be my best?
What disciplines do I need to commit to in order to be my best?
How often do I need to practice to become my best?
What will be the benefits of truly being my best? and how will that make me feel?
What will be the consequences for myself, my business, and my family if I am not my best?
Is what I am filling my mind with, going to move me toward my best, or away from it?
Are the people I surround myself with going to influence me toward my best, or away from it?
Who can I get on my team, literally or figuratively, that will propel me to my best?
If I knew I could not fail at executing my very best, what specifically would I do?

Now....start IMMEDIATELY!

and as my coach says, "See you at the top."

The e-card picture created by Grzegorz Łobiński for MerryRibbon eCards. Thephoto used in the picture was taken by Endlisnis.

My 2008 Reverse Resolutions

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 15:40:00 +0000

I got the idea for this list from a tweet that led me here:

http://gnmparents.com/reverse-resolutions/

Do resolutions stress you out? Do you feel the weight of these January decisions that most likely fall off?

Try this exercise....Reverse Resolutions. Make a list of what you did accomplish in 2008. I already have a number of things on the top of my mind, AND I am going to go find my January 2008 goal sheet ---and the rest from 08. I'll bet I find I accomplished way more than I realized!

I'd love to see what your reverse resolution looks like! Here is mine:

I did marry Bill in a park under a tree and we did have a fabulous honeymoon in Tulum with friends

I did pay off massive amounts of debt and should meet my goal of eliminating it by April 2009

I did start working out with a trainer and am almost 2 months in to working out 3 -5 times a week

I did renew my passport for another 10 years

I did complete the 50 mile Hill Country Ride for Aids ride in April without a scratch for my wedding the next weekend

I did get my energy and vitality back

Coached agent production was 32 million (goal was 42)--up from 19 million in 07

Company dollar from coached agents was 240k up from 07's 150k

I had one more agent introduced to KW than I had hoped

I attended every educational event I wanted to-- the highlight being the MAPS Coaching Skills Camp in Colorado

I did my first on stage interview at Mega Camp 2008 as an exceptional PC

I have been artistic with photography and writing

We did get our outdoor kitchen/living area started

We did buy the hot tub and we do use it almost every day

I have made a difference in the lives of my family, some of my clients, and my friends.

Above all, I think I have done pretty well as far as living a WOW life

OK...so it is slightly awkward to pat myself so loudly on the back, but it also gets be excited about thinking about this new year! If I was able to do so much in 08...I know my goals will be a peach in 09.

Photo Credit: pjinomaha under Creative Commons licenses

12 Things to Stop Doing in 2009 | chrisbrogan.com

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 20:55:00 +0000

http://www.chrisbrogan.com/12-things-to-stop-doing-in-2009

And this Comment: 26 Kristina Libby 12.29.08 at 3:02 pm

I published a blog in response to your post on our site: biztropolis.ning.com, that will run in a couple of days. But I wanted to thank you, this post was great and my 12 things to stop would be this:
If I had to write 12 Things to Stop Doing in 2009, they would be
1.) Stop watching the news 24/7. Nothing has changed since yesterday.
2.) Stop thinking about risky chances and just start taking them.
3.) Stop wanting to be an entrepreneur/small business owner and do it already.
4.) Stop saying you will travel the world. Flights to Europe just got a lot cheaper— anyone for the Azores?
5.) Stop thinking your company will succeed without a social media presence.
6.) Stop thinking that you don’t have to contribute to the discussion.
7.) Stop thinking that the world is going to come to your feet.
8.) Stop thinking you don’t have to work for it because he didn’t have to.
9.) Stop thinking economic recession means you are doomed to failure (see Iceland and geothermal warming).
10.) Stop thinking you don’t have what it takes….
11.) Stop believing that filling your life with things/meetings/work means you are living a full life.
12.) Stop. Stop reading. Stop doing. Stop wasting time avoiding thinking.

Best,
K

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I want what Lucy wants

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 15:33:00 +0000

I've been warned not to read this unless I want to quit-

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 23:26:00 +0000

well, I don't want to quit my work....but I am curious about the book...and so I read on.

The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Feriss: pp. 32

"Alternative periods of activity and rest is necessary to survive, let alone thrive. Capacity, interest, and mental endurance all wax and wane. Plan accordingly."

The heading to this mini paragraph is: " Interest & Energy are Cyclical." <-------this describes me about almost everything. Ahh...to feel known...and then to be loved past that knowing.

More to come later:

Also bought to read in the next few days or weeks or whatever....Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Dip by Seth Godin. Do you sense a theme? I do and oh how I heart a theme.

CrowsCouch first top TEN Real Estate Blogging/Social Networking/Technology all around YUMMY LIST

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 17:38:00 +0000

Because time is short…and there is so much information and because you can never remember where you saw that post you wanted to read later…USE this tool http://www.google.com/reader to keep track of all the feeds you come across that you want to read. You can star your favorites, share them with friends, be alerted to new posts, and most of all find what you were looking for! All of these resources have “subscribe” buttons….the subscribe button is your new BESTEST friend! This is number ONE.

2. http://www.netamorfasis.com/real-estate/365-Real-Estate-Blog-Ideas From Netamorfasis- a site by Mary McKnight one of 2008s Sellcius top 10 Women Real Estate Bloggers for 2008.

3. http://www.mytechopinion.com a go to starting point for Technology in Real Estate—a watering hole of many brilliant minds sharing their goodness with you.

4. While you are at www.mytechopnion.com, start by reading this post on having a tweet plan: http://www.mytechopinion.com/2008/11/organize-chaos-with-the-real-estate-tweet-plan.html I can’t stress enough about using your time wisely. The temptation for many of you (and ME) is to all of the sudden be in front of the computer all day convincing ourselves that we are “working/being productive” In ALL of these things, keep an eye on what your MOST important and money making tasks are! (sorry gentlemen, NikNik is happily married to Reggie Nicolay the social media genius at cyberhomes.com

5. http://www.cyberhomes.com/content/blog More content for our clients and customers…there is so much here you can contribute to your sphere. Oh and Agents….make sure your listings are showing up here! I know our KWLS auto feeds to this cool site.

6. http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/ when it comes to marketing, well his bio page say it all and I quote:

writes the most popular marketing blog in the world;
is the author of the bestselling marketing books of the last decade;
speaks to large groups on marketing, new media and what's next;
and is the founder of Squidoo.com, a fast-growing recommendation website

7. http://agentgenius.com/?cat=673 ok so I find many, many things on AgentGenius’ site and I find it cool that they are here in Austin, Texas, my hometown. I chose the subject of “Coaching” because, DUH, that is what I do and can’t help be driven to drive your mind to resources other than straight real estate that include ways to become your very best self. From the category of “coaching” aka=673…you can find the pure homepage and explore from there – you won’t be disappointed. Again….a gathering of many minds and authors.

8. I promise to get back to real estate soon…but don’t they say 98% of success is the mind. http://blogs.briantracy.com/public/blog/149495 Brian Tracy- well if I actually knew him in person I would say he was my HOMIE for sure. I was introduced to his books and thinking by my CPA and have never been the same since. Subscribe to his blog to consume good, healthy, life-giving mind food.

9. http://www.problogger.net/ I have learned more about effective blogging and tweeting from this one site. @problogger was one of the first people I followed and the information and advice he gives is top notch. Excellent resources for the beginning blogger, and the experienced!

10.I'll finishing this list by Cheating—I wanted to limit my first list to TEN however as a bonafide information junkie I can’t let you not know that there is so much more out there. From http: http://blog.sellsiusrealestate.com/ is a link to the Inman News’ Top 25 Most Influential Real Estate Bloggers of 2008 (Sellsius Real Estate is one of the picks) These include Brokers and Agents, Community Blogs, Mortgage, Housing Economics, Industry Commentary, Marketing & How-to, Company, Journalist, and Housing Bubble bloggers.

11.Ok…and I have to add myself and therefore broke the limit of TEN (if you know me I’m usually pushing the limits and breaking the rules somewhat anyway). I’m not tooting my own horn, yet, but I have been sharing coaching thoughts with, like, 12 people who read my coaching blog (actually I think I have a whopping 26 readers). My own thoughts are there, and even more important, my passion for introducing you to all these other thinkers out there. If you visit http://www.crowscouch.com, well, I’m just happy to be LAST on your list!

There are SO many I have left off this list….THIS time. Don’t worry, I can’t keep my big smiling mouth shut and you may very well make the list next time!

Regular or WOW

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:24:00 +0000

Of course the end of the year brings reflection time for many. I’m one of those delicious weirdos that reflects all the time. It takes work to keep one’s mind in check and be the best she can be.

Now, I am far from perfect (my husband, friends, kids, family etc. will vouch for that). I consider authenticity one of my best qualities. That being said, for no good reason at all I was overcome with this EXACT thought on Monday morning (I am always ON on Monday’ mornings, so for this thought to happen then—oh full moon).

Ok..back to exact thought:

“You know, Allison, you don’t have to work this hard…just quit striving and be
regular.”

My midnight blue car nearly came to a screeching halt right there on Mansfield Dam bridge.
Who the heck wants to be regular? It is like that commercial for ttp://www.izonlens.com/why-wow/

The question is: Do you want to be regular or WOW?
Let's see what the dictionary says:

reg⋅u⋅lar: Spelled Pronunciation [reg-yuh-ler]
Show IPA Pronunciation –adjective
1. usual; normal; customary
Nope…Not gonna be me.
WOW
–verb (used with object)
to gain an enthusiastic response from; thrill. –noun an extraordinary success: His act is a real wow.
excitement, interest, great pleasure, or the like: a car that will add some wow to your life.
And another side note from the original Scottish expression of WOW meaning: “overwhelm with delight or amazement”

Yep….I choose WOW.

I like to overwhelm my life and the people in it with delight and amazement. I like to have extraordinary success. I like to create excitement, interest and great pleasure in my life…. Especially in contrast to usual, normal and customary.

For me, this choice to strive for WOW at least most of the time is simply a source of pleasure for me. Having been given so much I want to squeeze every bit out and taste it all. The best part of all this striving and quest to be my very best, is that the messes and mistakes and failures are all a part of the make-up of the manifestation of my WOW. Some might say, easy on yourself, gal. No sense in trying to be perfect. Nowhere did I use that word….my belief is WOW can certainly have a savory measure of glorious imperfection.

The striving does not mean that I don’t rest or slow down either. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Slowing down, breathing, NOT doing, napping, and accepting (at appropriate times) less than perfection are absolutely part of the WOW.

Oooh…ok so I do think about this most of the time…and this end of the year reflection time, well, it just gives me a few more moments to really see the vision of what WOW looks like for me---and once again eliminates the option of just being regular, at least for me.

What makes you WOW?

Sharing Wendy Y Bailey with you

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:59:00 +0000

Another coach out there who shared her latest post on twitter today. We’ve discussed strategic planning a lot lately…and now, it is time to put it into action! Thanks, Wendy for posting.

allison crow flanigin wanted to ShareThis with you.
Time to Put Your Plan Into Action http://wendyy.com/business-and-health/time-to-put-your-plan-into-ac...

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Clients Need to be Touched | Real Estate Magazine - Real Estate Opinion Column - AgentGenius

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:36:00 +0000

Clients Need to be Touched | Real Estate Magazine - Real Estate Opinion Column - AgentGenius

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6 effective ways to use Twitter as a lead generation tool : Joint Venture Marketing Coach - Christian Fea

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:31:00 +0000

6 effective ways to use Twitter as a lead generation tool : Joint Venture Marketing Coach - Christian Fea

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Are you Feeding your Brain with Junk Food?

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:40:00 +0000

What are you reading? What are you filling your mind with? What are you listening to in the car as you drive around town? Who do you surround yourself with? These things REALLY Matter.
What you feed your mind creates the thoughts that control your programming, thoughts, feelings and actions....and therefore the results. If you are not getting the results you are wanting...then work backwards to analyze where the break down could be. What actions are you taking/not taking? What feelings are behind the actions/inaction? What thoughts are behind those feelings? What programming is behind the thoughts?

When you read/listen to/expose yourself to great material, that if acted on, could bring out the best in you....then you are working on RE-wiring any programming that could be working against you rather than for you. The more you fill your brain with these thoughts...the more you re-enforce the behaviors that will help you become your best.

How many years did it take to wire your brain with programming that ultimately leaves you short of the results of desire over and over? So give yourself grace as you begin these practices....AND...trust me...the more consistent you are at filling your brain with the BEST, the more you will be come your best!

I'm with you in the endeavor to be the BEST version of yourself! KEEP ON!!!

‘Tis the Season for Kicking Butt | Darren Hardy, Publisher of SUCCESS Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:22:00 +0000

‘Tis the Season for Kicking Butt | Darren Hardy, Publisher of SUCCESS Magazine

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3 Step Formula for a GREAT Day:

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:41:00 +0000

My Forumula for a great day!

1. Read Something Great:

along with a few other books and sites online, have been reading the following lately: Awaken the Giant Within : How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!

2. Listen to something great:

Specifically Track 6 (listen here :http://blip.fm/profile/acflan/blip/1836302 Pay attention to the lyrics)

3. Hang out with Great People:

Mike Pourciau, Nikki Buckelew, some of the folks I follow on Twitter, my hubby, David White, my stepdaughter Samantha...and many, many more!

The Best Gift to Get at Christmas...but You Have to Give it to Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:19:00 +0000

I've noticed a difference between the agents who are working and showing up lately and the ones who have fallen off. An agent showed up today for her coaching session, with every reason in the world to have skipped. Her husband had some life threatening physical concerns and has just been released from the hospital. Insurance, Christmas, bills to be paid and a construction project mid-way--she still made time for her business and for her commitment to coaching.

Rather than using this "my husband could have died" as an excuse, she used it to drive her even more to make sure she was taking care of herself and her business and planning/prioritizing for the upcoming weeks.

I see many emergencies pull people off track...when really, the emergencies often really bring to light the face that staying on track is actually crucial. When one get's off track, they prolong the results...they prolong the end result they are working for.

Gary Keller calls it the BIG WHY. Anthony Robbins says the first step is to, "get clear about EXACTLY what you want." One of my coaches, Dianna Kokoska is always saying, "and what will that do for you....and what will THAT....do for you...." on and on until the REAL reason is uncovered.

This gift giving season, give yourself the best possible gift.....find out your BIG WHY. Get clear about EXACTLY what you want....and discover what having that will DO for you.....not jut financially...but emotionally and down in your spirit. Find out what NOT getting what you want will do to your life....what will be the outcome for you, your family...your spirit.

As my favorite authors, my coaches, my mentors and my heart and mind has shown me....KNOWING...that deep KNOWING...is the the best gift to have.

The Stand UP desk has be come the DANCE desk today!

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Interesting phenomenon occurred today:

We moved in to our new building on Nov 1 and I have been using a stand up desk for various reasons (that is another entry due to time this morning).

Today, for the first time in while, I opened up my i tunes account to listen to the new Dido CD....and said stand up desk has become dance desk. Sweet....even better for my body and my mood!

Charlie Pikin's Tip for the day

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:43:00 +0000

Charlie has been one of the most productive agents in the KWLT coaching program. He is passionate, motivated and a true leader in our company! He also has an awesome wife Adrienne and little baby Ava. Here's his tip:

real estate and twitter....

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:25:00 +0000

Been exploring some social networking some...and how it can be used in real estate and to move forward in life.....below is a link to a great blog post by one of the people i follow on Twitter: twitter.com/nik_nik (aka @nik_nik) or (on the web at http://www.mytechopinion.com)

http://www.mytechopinion.com/2008/08/a-twitter-resource-for-real-estate-tweets.html

Make special note of @Nik_Niks Twitter Disclaimer

TWITTER DISCLAIMER: Twitter can spend your time like nobody’s business. So manage accordingly. Also, in the beginning you may feel compelled to add everyone who adds you. I did. But now I recognize the people I find interesting, helpful, hilarious or meaningful. Everyone else is getting “unfollowed”. Sorry, I can only stand so much noise.

and a fun video about how people use twitter (@Nik_Nik makes a cameo) :

How Do You Use Twitter? from biz stone on Vimeo.

Are you using any social media? how are you using it and what services? how does it help you? are there any draw backs? Let me know via comments.

can't is not in this boy's vocabulary

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 05:40:00 +0000

a bit of what I'm learning from my coach.

noreply@blogger.com (Allison Crow Flanigin) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 22:17:00 +0000

12 days ago, I hired a fitness coach and I've been consistent in meeting with him, and doing what he asks of me on my own.

Today, the day after not one, but two, glutenous meals for thanksgiving, I woke up sore from my last lifting session two days ago and headed to the gym. Tuesday, I'd been very specific with him about some goals and the relatively short time line in which to achieve those (beach vacation on December 26th-- something about looking a bit firmer in a bikini).

So the last two sessions have been completely different from the first two. The weights have been heavier, the reps longer and the rest in between shorter (and of course the soreness more intense). Tuesday my coach said, "You gave me a target and we are going to hit it." while I was practically killing myself under the weight of a barbell or something. Each set I was pushed to my limits, but I did not fail. I completed the work out...and YES, I felt completely better for the rest of the day.

Today, we started again. I should have at least done some cardio yesterday because it took me about 20 minutes to get warmed up in to the weights. Again, the weights were heavier and the reps were more. James, my coach, looked at me and said, "no matter what happens and no matter what you feel today, you WILL get through this work out."

Set after set was pain and pushing myself to my limit. I became one of those grunters and actually almost cried during some shoulder work. To be honest, I was ticked at how even a 5 lb weight could make me feel so weak. In discussing this with James, he said, "no one is strong in the shoulders and this IS hard." I felt a little better. I did finish the work out....shoulders, abs and all and I felt like a champion.

This is not unlike Real Estate or anything else one strives in for greatness and here is why:

1. The sense of urgency and need for quick results. I need to be bikini ready by dec 26th. Realtors need help clients and provide for their families probably sooner than that. There is no time to wait, and the long road won't get us there soon enough. (I use the example of conversion ratios with first year agents-- if it takes 125 contact conversations to generate one appointment with a buyer or seller...and you are only making 5 contacts a day.....it will take 25 weeks to generate ONE appointment. 25 weeks is just under 6 months...and I don't know about you...but I won't wait that long for results.

2. The intensity required for fail proof results. simply put....it will take hard work. It will take sweat and effort and possibly a little pain and tears. The pain is only momentary and with each reposition the actions get easier. I must do the exercises in a precise and repetitive manner....just like lead generation. I does take mass amounts of repetition and mass amounts of practice to be productive. It isn't always fun, but today, during the extreme pain from pushing my shoulders to their limits...I could see the end result and that pulled me through. See your end result when the repetition gets boring, or hard. Let the end result pull you through.

3. I wouldn't have done it on my own. Could I have done it-- maybe. but I know had I not had an appointment with James today, I would have probably rolled into the gym and done a short 25 minutes on an elliptical machine and gone home. I would not have been as intense or as focused with out him. I would not have taken the hard road EVEN though I know that the results would be better. How many times do you take the easy road even though you know the harder path will yield better results?

If you want results, take action on the plan you and your coach set up. Do the work, and push yourself past what feels safe and easy. Fight through the pain and the frustration. Trust the process and keep your eyes on the end result...it will come. And, "No matter how bad it gets, you WILL get through this....if you don't quit."