"Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish" thank you Steve Jobs

Every morning when I fire up my computer my outlook calendar reminder throws this Steve Jobs quote at me: "Stay hungry. Stay foolish." I heard this following Steve's death from one of his commencement addresses at a university that was circulating on line. For me, it reminds me to take risks, follow my instincts, to not be afraid of failure, adventure or censure.

So often in my real estate world we line up dates for possession of homes and create many other conditions of the sale based on keeping everyone comfortable. Or as comfortable as possible. But, let's face it, moving is stressful and a pain in the arse any which way you do it.

Change is generally occurring outside of our comfort zones. I believe that's also where adventure and renewal happens.

Sometimes I quiz home sellers with this question: If someone was willing to pay more for your home for a quicker possession, would you endure the inconvenience? The answer more times than not is positive. When someone says they couldn't possibly move in a short period of time they pass on a potential sale. In a hot market, not such a big deal. In a buyer's market, a brutal choice.

It's odd that it would be considered by some radical to hire movers, store their stuff and either go on a vacation or bunk in with family for a few weeks. But, what if the same scenario (or any scenario) was approached as an adventure? Rather than resented stress, it can be motivating, enlivening stress! Funny too that we can look at investment statements drop 5,000 and simply sigh...but pull out hair at the thought of spending 5,000 on ourselves to move ahead with our dreams!

As much as I ask you, I ask myself....how stuck am I? How many restrictions in movement, adventure, change and growth do I miss in an effort to stay in my comfort zone? How many times do I think or say, "I know I should" instead of taking the first step to initiate and embrace change?

Some of my favourite clients are seniors and we often continue our friendship beyond the sales process and have regular lunches or coffee. Over lunch with a dear pal in her 80's I asked her if she had regrets. She misted up and said she had many, many regrets. Not one regret she named had anything to do with things she'd done. They were all to do with things she wished she'd done and that now will never be done in her lifetime.

Richard Robbins is a real estate coach and international speaker I enjoy. His mantra is "It's a beautiful life; make yours count."

Looping back to real estate, home sales and moves let's pinch a phase from Nike. JUST DO IT! And, to Steve Jobs, thank you for the instruction. Stay hungry. Stay foolish.