Yesterday, Christmas day, I spent flat on my back reading a book for the 3rd time. Christmas was the day before for my family so I spent the day doing nothing. It was great. We call it a PJ day around here.
The book I choose to read, again, was 
by Andy Andrews. This book had
such a change on my outlook that I've decided it's one that will say with me forever. I won't loan it out.
Even though this book is for determining personal success it has effected the way that I do business.
His Seven Decisions and how they have changed my business
1. The buck stops here. I am responsible for my past and my future.
The mistakes that I've made marketing to realtors that don't get it (staging) is my mistake and I won't go it again. I can't change them. My future is working with those who know and understand the benefits of Stage-Show-Sell, LLC
2. I will seek wisdom. I will be the a servant to others.
We at Stage-Show-Sell, LLC will volunteer to help others that need my service. I will joing organizations that will help me grown personally and business.
3. I am a person of action. I seize this moment. I choose now.
No more putting things on the back burner. Do more saying I'll do that tomorrow. Today is the day to begin any project whether it's joining a new networking group or cleaning my closet.
In 2009 we joined two new networking groups that are great.
4. I have a decided heart. My destiny is assured.
Stage-Show-Sell, LLC will continue to grow in 2010 just as it did in 2009. I know and feel the future.
5. Today I will choose to be happy. I am the possessor of a grateful spirit.
Many years ago I was overcome with the negative things of life and business. I was a realtor at the time and some how got into the DRAMA of the business. All the realtors out there know what I mean. I choose to find everything a leaning experience and not let the problems of day drag me down.
My business picked up.
My life, because of dying parents, was dragging me down emotionally and physically.
I choose to be happy and enjoy the days that were left and not on what will be lost.
6. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit. I will forgive myself.
Everyone has 'baggage' from the past. Get over it. I've learned to forgive myself and learn from the past.
I've learned that others aren't upset with me as I thought. Why should I be upset with myself.
I will forgive those who don't believe in Staging. I don't need to carry the burden and frustration. We can help only those who want to be helped.
7. I will persist without exception. I am a person of great faith.
I believe in me and my business. I know what I do makes a difference.
Staging works and the more I "think it" the more it will happen. My PMA ( positive mental attitude) will win.
All the homes that I have staged in 2009 have had an offer on them within two weeks of staging EXCEPT the ones that the sellers didn't co-operate with the agents and price their homes right.
So there will be No New Years Resolutions for me I will continue on the path that I've been on.
Stage-Show-Sell, offers affordable home staging solutions in the Birmingham - Bloomfield and surrounding areas in getting your home ready for the market. We service both home sellers and realtors. We have the experience, our own rental furniture and accessories to stage many homes. We specialize in Estate work. The house can be put into our hands for the whole process of getting the house on the market
Thanks for sharing your insights about how this book impacted your life. It sounds like I should acquire a copy soon.
Virginia, I wish you all the best. I like to have resolutions. Maybe I'll stick to them this year.
Virginia, Thank you for those points. Why is it so much easier to forgive others than ourselves? Being a person of action and deciding on happiness that doesn't depend on circumstance. All wonderful advise.
Virginia, that choosing to be happy one will take you very far in life and you will be a joy to be around! Thanks for a look at the WHOLE book.
Thanks for the post -- I'll add that book to my "will read in 2010" list. Best to you in 2010.
Thank you all for visiting and commenting.
This book has nice little stories and how the decision can effect our lives. I hope that you all take a little time off to read it.
This is my 3rd time, at least, reading it.
Hi Virginia! Great Advice and I will be downloading that one to my Kindle this week. Thanks for sharing!
Great post, Virginia. I too had a pajama day on Christmas. I watched old family videos and reflected on what a wonderful life it has been! It was a much needed gift to myself. It sounds like you don't need any resolutions if you are following those seven decisions!
I agree with you about concentrating marketing efforts on agents who understand the powerful benefits of staging. Let the skeptics fall by the wayside ... if they're not on the bandwagon, it's their own loss.
This is a great post Virginia and thank you for sharing it with us. Looks like a book I need to read. THe points you bring up are wonderful and I wish you even more success in 2010. Happy New Year!
Sounds like another great book to put on my list!! Thank you for sharing not only the book, but what you learned from it! I love hearing the motivations of others!
Looks like a great book. You know, it is all about ROI. Continue to "invest" in what is working and let go of what is not. Happy New Year Virginia!
Happy New Year, Virginia! I like #6 - I too will choose to forgive myself. Julie
Virginia,
So that's your secret....thanks for sharing! There is no need to change your path when you are successful, happy and full of life! Congrats on being such a SPECIAL person and continued success to YOU as you continue on your sturdy path into 2010!
Great food for thought ... food that won't pack on the pounds this time of year! I will definitely refer to your plan on a daily basis ... Wondering have you read "The Seceret'?
Happy New Year.
I will be getting this book. Thanks for the share!
Teresa, I love the idea of downloading books. One day I'll get around to doing that. For now I'll stick to paper backs. They are easy to dry out when I drop them in the bathtub. :-)
Sharon, aren't PJ days the best.
Maureen, I'll drink to that.
Sheila, I wish you all a very happy and prosperous new yera.
Melissa, this is not a book to put on the list :-) This is a book to read.
I would love it if everyone posted their thoughts on the book after they read it.
Lori, Love that ROI
Julia, That's the hardest think to do. It took me a long time to learn to forgive myself and just grow with with my mistakes and poor decisions.
Michelle, Thanks. You make me feel special
Liz, I have seen the movie and haven't read the book. Should I? Is it more than PMI (positive mental attitude)?
Cathy, I wish that I had purhased dozens of these books to share with my AR friends.
But, I've done that in the past with another great read book called the Aladin Factor. I gave it to the current, at the time, presidents of local chapters of an organization that I belong to.
Now of them read it during the year of the presidency when they needed it the most. :-(
That will be my next re-read book.