I told myself I needed to create some blogs this month, because the past couple months have been busy and I've missed out on a few extra social media posts. And thus began the process of having my brain work on what should be the topic of my next post, but I could not come up with anything of value. 

Sure I could sit here and type of facts, and figures, about where the market is at today, where I think it is going, and overall how the Northeast WI real estate market is doing. 

Blah Blah Blah

I get asked, "how's the market" all the time and I tell people and it can be a good conversation, but is it exciting and riveting and what people want to learn more about? I don't think so. I think people that ask that question are one of two types of people:
 1. Unable to come up with a better question to start a conversation
 2. Very analytically minded and know that the real estate market is a good indicator of our overall economy.

Obviously, Person 2 is going to be a better conversation haha. 

But there are countless articles and insights out there for people to research, why not try to do something different with this post, just like I do with many others.

This past month was the annual Global Leadership Summit and as always, I attended, and had my leadership development cup refurbished so it could hold new knowledge for the next year as I process through the messages and begin reading some new books. And this year one of my favorite minds spoke, Arthur Brooks!

This guy is amazing, he studies and teaches courses on Happiness at Harvard. What a concept!?!?! And the things he has identified, spoke about, and written have always been fascinating to me.

The most recent book of his I read, "Build the Life You Want" was not the subject of his speech this year, but it was a great book. And when I read it, it really got my mind racing about the idea of; "am I building the life I want?"

Some people want money, cars, homes, clothes, jewelry, vacations, and basically more stuff. 

Me, nah other than the vacations part!

Me, I want memories and I want time!

Ultimately what Arthur is discussing here is all concepts around, YOU, not someone else and not the worlds definition of happiness. He talks about "your happiness profile," focusing on key areas of your life that are scientifically proven to matter for happiness!

So how am I now going to bring this home while incorporating real estate????

The life I want involves:
 - Devoted time daily with God
 - A wife that is smiling when she wakes up, until she lays down to go to sleep
 - A son who knows I cherish and desire him because I am present when I am with him
 - To pass away one day having no regrets about the memories I've gotten to make with my wife & son

And how do I get that life? 

Well I know I have to work hard, but work, money, prestige, titles, fame, and other things don't matter to me. The above list is what matters, so if I am putting in the effort and receiving the output that allows me to live that life; I'm Happy! I don't need to achieve some status or echelon that is defined as being successful in business, so long as I am with those noted above making memories that will outlast any dollar bill.

Period, plain & simple!!!

And I have found ways to identify new people to work with, help them achieve a dream, get paid along the way, and still find plenty of time for my faith & family. We each have choices to make in life and if yours is more money, power, prestige, and accolades I say great, go get after it. Because that is what makes you happy, and I won't stand in your way of happiness. My happiness is based on different criteria, simple as that.

I will continue to build my client base by spending time with my sphere, going to networking events, ringing doorbells, and ultimatly trusting that God will provide each day what I need for that day, and tomorrow will be a new day and a new plan of His.

So, now here is my challenge to you; share how you define happiness and then take a moment to assess if you are currently following a path to achieve that happiness or do you need to make changes?