Freedom Isn't Free and Neither is Success

July 4th, 1776 was not the beginning of a summer vacation. It was the commencement of a long period of determination, hard work and grit. Without the relentless efforts that followed that important day (as a continuation of the fight that had already been ongoing for years) for the next seven years, the 4th of July would be just another day on the calendar. Now we have the joy of celebrating, every year, the United States of America's independence.

As we reflect on the hard work and sacrifice that was made to achieve our freedom let's also look into ourselves and understand that our success does not come for free either. Summer can be a distracting time for Realtors. School is out, the weather is nice and some will even tell you that the market slows down. Well, if you have a goal to beat this year, do not let those distractions get in your way. The effort you put in now will pay big dividends come the fall market.

If there were only one thing I could recommend to stay on track this summer it would be to keep up with a strong morning routine. It is essential to set your mind and body straight every morning so you can have a productive day. If you have not yet developed a strong routine, here are a few elements that I believe are necessary:

• Exercise - Staying physically fit is not only good for your health but it is great for your business. There are numerous studies that show how exercise directly contributes to entrepreneurial success (just Google it!).
• Fuel Up - Eat healthy in the morning so you have energy to last throughout the day. Don't overload on too much caffeine either.
• Positive Energy - Engage in something that creates positive energy. Make sure you do something for yourself every morning. Recite gratitudes and write or recite affirmations. These simple things will put you in the right mindset before embarking on business related activities.

Once you are ready for the day it is time to take action! Just as our nation was built on hard work, your business needs your hard work to thrive. This summer make it your mission to stay on top of your actions that produce results. Not only does your personal success rely on these actions but so does the success of your clients.

Have a happy, healthy and prosperous summer. Happy Independence Day!