For me, the holidays are a time of reflection upon the year passed and intentions for the year to come, and especially thankfulness for the gifts in life for which I am most grateful.
Early in my career, I thought passion was everything. I used to grill clients and brokers and friends to find out if they had passion for their work. After all, if they didn’t wouldn’t they wake up someday with regrets? And that would be awful, wouldn’t it? I questioned why I thought you needed passion to be successful or happy. I have come to understand that it is how you act on your passions that really matter. Passion is quick to develop and quicker to fade. Mastery comes more slowly and commitment more slowly still. It is often said that you can find talent everywhere – that it’s commonplace. The same is true of passion. What’s not so common is the practice and discipline to achieve mastery. If there is any reason I continue to enjoy and pursue the work I do, it’s the layer upon layer of lessons and experiences I’ve had, which leads to greater confidence and mastery in my work.
When I got into the real estate business, I did it to become rich. Back then I was single and had no kids and I assumed that meant money in the bank and owning income-producing assets. I said my goal was to have enough money to be able to do what I wanted every morning without regard to money.
So, 37 years later, 36 years of marriage, four kids (all with the three “E’s” – Educated, Employed, and Elsewhere) all married, and three grandkids, I come into work today and realized I am rich!
NICK’S NUMBERS
Happy Holidays to all! Looking forward to a year filled with Happiness and Prosperity. Thought you would find this graphic on Happiness interesting!
Please give me a call or email me if you would like an analysis of your properties’ value or to discuss what you should be doing in the new year. Nick Zech, 858-232-2100, nzech@cdccommercial.com.
So, this year, I thank you not just for being there or reading this letter. I thank you for making a difference. In a year when the problems seemed so insurmountable and untouchable, I have seen how much can be changed by the smallest of intentions coupled with a passion for mastery. I wish you the merriest of Christmases and Happiest of Holidays! I am honored to get to move forward into the challenges of 2022 working alongside you to help you find your riches and happiness. Hope you enjoy the story…
Balloon Story
A professor gave a balloon to every student, who had to inflate it, write their name on it and throw it in the hallway. The professor then mixed all the balloons. The students were then given 5 minutes to find their own balloon. Despite a hectic search, no one found their balloon.
At that point, the professor told the students to take the first balloon that they found and hand it to the person whose name was written on it. Within 5 minutes, everyone had their own balloon.
The professor said to the students: “These balloons are like happiness. We will never find it if everyone is looking for their own. But if we care about other people’s happiness, we’ll find ours too.”
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to All!
Team CDC Commercial
Don, Nick, Matt, & Cheryl
