This is NOT a NY resolution THREAD!

[Russ H]

HOW FAR HAVE YOU COME THIS YEAR?

Specifically, count your blessings.

List the things you're most proud of.

This is not limited to money. Family, friends, school-- anything you can look back on and say "Wow!"

Seems that millions (billions?) of folks make new years resolutions this time of year.

Some people spend months thinking about what their resolutions are going to be.

Others take just a few seconds.

**************

But when the clock strikes midnight,

What do you have?

A New Year.

A chance to begin again, or start things anew.

An opportunity to get rid of old habits.

And develop healthy, new habits.

**********

When I first moved out to California (back in 1984), I was sitting alone, in my tiny house trailer, thinking about new years resolutions.

No matter how hard I thought about them, though, my thoughts kept going not to what I *wanted* to accomplish in the new year . . .

. . . but what I had *already* accomplished in the past year.

I was 23. That year (1984), I had:

-Graduated college
-Sold most of what I owned (including all of the cars I'd been working on, fixing up)
-Bought a tiny travel trailer and an old Ford van
-Packed all of my possessions in the trailer (and van)
-Moved "up north" (Michigan) to clear my head and figure out what to do with my life
-Figured out how to live on next to nothing (I was single, no kids or pets)
-Got a job working as a dishwasher at my favorite German restaurant
-Got promoted to asst cook before the summer was out
-Decided to move to California after Labor Day weekend, to pursue a graduate degree at Berkeley, or just see where life carried me
-Visited a great friend in Indianapolis, stayed w/him a month with my cold feet (afraid to make the big move to Cali)
-Found someone to share my drive out to the coast (this helped with my gas costs)
-Rented a car in Cheyenne, WY when my car (towing the trailer) blew a head gasket.
-Surreptitiously drilled a few holes in the bumper of that rental car, and towed the trailer the rest of the way to CA.
-Got to CA, and within 1 week, found a place to put my trailer and live, and a place to work.

As I sat there in my tiny, warm trailer (it was 7 feet wide by 11 feet long on the inside), I watched the rest of the world celebrate New Years on my TV.

And while some might have sat there, lamenting the fact that they were living in a trailer park, spending New Years alone, without friends or a love interest, here I was,

Overjoyed.

I was so happy!

Not because I was living in a trailer. Not because I had no friends or girlfriend to celebrate with.

I was happy for all of the other, fantastic things that had happened to me that year.

I was following my dreams.

DOING my dreams, each and every day.

It was bliss.

********

So every New Years since,

I've been doing what I call my

"New Years Review".

It's a list of the things that I accomplished this past year.

Some years, the list is long.

Others, short.

Some years I wind up curled up in a comfy chair on NY's eve, working on my review.

Others, I wind up doing it on Jan 1 or 2, since I'm out partying (or working) on Dec 31.

But each year I do it.

It's kind of a record of the past year.

What was important to me.

What I considered accomplishments.

The things I treasure about my life.

********************************************

So here's my New Year's gift to you:

Instead of making resolutions this New Year's Eve.

Do a New Year's Review instead.

Look at where you were a year ago.

And where you are now.

What you've done.

And how you've grown.

Celebrate your accomplishments.

And, if you have things that you regret, don't think about them tonight.

For now, be happy, count your blessings, and welcome in the New Year with joy, celebration, and anticipation of great things to come.

-Russ H.

[Rawr]

Thanks Russ.

I myself had recently come to the same conclusion - I looked at what I wanted to do, then what I did and then what I did beyond that in other fields.

One goal I have is to learn 2 new things each year. A skill, some knowledge, ability - something that I didn't know before.

This year was golf and stock market essentials.(with practice)

There is a very good chance I will be in a trailer sitting like you were next Dec 31.

[Russ H]

So, counting your blessings this year . . .

What are they?

-Russ H.

[andviv]

In the business perspective:

- Went to the get-together in Scottsdale in March, great networking opportunity, met great people.
- Found a mentor for my multis deals
- Made the transition from SFHs to multis
- Learned a lot about regulation and laws for putting money together from investors to fund million dollar deals, now it is time for making it happen
- Learned a lot about REITs (how to form one and use it as a way to invest in RE in great scale). May not be of any use just yet, but you never know...
- Been active in this forum, has been great in both personal and investment sides.

- In the personal side, I've become a better father (or at least that's what I feel, who knows what my children really think ). Also, worked a lot on my personal development to overcome some obstacles and keep growing.
- Went with the family to Williamsburg, VA and the beach in the summer.

2007 has been a very good year. Probably I am forgetting many things, I will add them when I remember them. Just Too Many Blessings. Looking forward to 2008.

[aptohosting]

Trade in my M3 and get a Lambo to match this shirt

[Russ H]

Aptohosting-

Whatdya call that thing yer wearin?

Bull-shirt?

(sorry, couldn't resist).

C'mon folks-- count those blessings!

-Russ H.

[thecoach]

I normally don't make New Year's resolutions, but this year, since I'm waiting for my lisencing to transfer and I won't be back to work until after the New Year, I suppose it fits this time. I'm a systems type person. I like to have things systemized, so this year I really want to try to set up systems/processes/routines with my business and personal life. It's the one thing that I kind of let go of last year and I didn't have as good of a year as I should have. I need to get back into the routines/habits I was in a year ago.

[Russ H]

Coach-

What are your blessings from this past year?

That's the focus of this thread.

-Russ H.

[bflbob]

Lots to be thankful for this year!

1. I gained a lovely new daughter-in-law when my son got married!
2. My son got the job he had dreamed, tried and trained for -- NYS Park Police.
3. Building a house from the ground up -- a GREAT experience!
4. Lost 2 tenants (both died), but moved the rents on those apartments from $835 to $1,265 per month when I refilled them!
5. Gained Admin status over on richdad.com, including the ellusive "ban" button!
6. I got to meet up with some of the great friends I met from the Rich Dad group in Arizona last March.
7. Saw the company I work for turn around from a couple of tough profitablility years to a banner year in 2007.

Overall, a great year!

[Rawr]

It's kind of a record of the past year.

What was important to me.

What I considered accomplishments.

The things I treasure about my life.

I went from 22 to 23 this year, and so far have accomplished:

-Invested in the stock market

-Made great people who I am proud to call friends - especially a few that have the same goals as I

-Sent greetings to 14 friends on Xmas - none of the family included - I thought it was special that I had so many people in my life I could call friends.

-Finally bench pressed my own weight - my chest had been a pain in the ass for 3 years
-Deadlifted 285 - next year i'll hit 300

-Learned how to be humble and treat people like I would want to be treated - this was huge for me since I've always been the only child/selfish and me-first.

-Tried to be a lot more generous, especially with others - this also been huge for me since - I always worried about "do-dads" - for example I paid for 6 drinks last night for friends and it felt good but strange.

- Had a lot of fun with girls, of many types.

- Traveled Scandinavia and met up with people I haven't seen in 7 years.

- Become a lot smarter and wiser.. I thought i knew everything at 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23....

- Became even more honest with people, to the point of dangerous -but it makes you so free it is unbelievable.

- Learned how to play golf. Thank god.

- With help of a few great people realized what I do and do not want to do with my life - and interestingly enough both of my majors do not come close to what I envision myself doing for a living.

- Realized I love the European way of life and miss it - but I also love a lot about America - so I will need to have a house on both continents.

- Came to the conclusion that friends (relationships) and experiences are worth to me more than money, but I will need the latter to enhance my life. Decided to start making radical decisions like moving to Brazil for 6 months - and had no fear about it.


I have so many things I want to try and do from 2008 on,I don't know if I can afford to have a job rob my time...

How's that Russ?

[nomadjanet]

Recruited 2 great employees for our company that have allowed me & my hubby much more freedom.

Went on 3 great vacations.

Sold an out of town property that was a drag on us and made a profit on the deal

Paid off the beach house so we have no personal debt.

Helped our son with a large loan for a real estate project.

Completed a new car barn for my husband for his car collection

Set up a small home for our daughter & grandsons so she can go back to college
(She dropped out her junior year)

Gained a lovely daughter in law & saw our son become a happy husband & father to be

Got a clean bill of health from my oncologist & my internist

[camski]

This past year has been a wild ride for me.

-continued with my part time catering business

-made my first venture into commercial real estate (only my second RE venture ever)

- started and closed a restaurant ( will post later on this experience)

-worked full time at my day job and managed to get a promotion that takes effect Jan 1

- feel like I was finally able to turn the corner from my interest in owning my own business from being a interest/hobby/dalience to being legitimate. ( I hope you all understand what I mean by this)

-forged some very solid business relationships

[Runum]

Blessings for 2007:

I still have my best friend and wife(they are the same person)
My 16 yo daughter is maturing and finally grew out of her dark stage.
Mine and my families physical and mental health.
Comfortable home and vehicles that work.
Took a family vacation of a tour of the NE US.
Had 100% of our 5th grade math students pass their required tests
Had 84% of our 5th graders pass their science test(career high)
A fantastic group of coworkers at my school.
Had the pleasure of teaching daughter to drive, not just how to operate a motor vehicle.
Took a trip to the gulf coast with the high school band as a chaperon(great kids).
Opportunities to help others.
Grew business from 3 to 6 renters.
Moved business from all SFH's to my first MFH.
Having the opportunity to provide housing to people.
Working with my dad to rehab rental units.
Learning so much from the people on this and similar forums.
Technology, I love using technology. I would not be where I am if the internet and access to knowledge was not so available.
LIFE IS GREAT! Good luck to all in 2008.

Greg

[SteveO]

I think apto is George Harrison reincarnated with a smile.

[kimberland]

2007 was an AWESOME year for me.

I found a publisher for my first novel.
I found a wonderful pre-editor
and am now comfortable with
writing during the summers
and business gigs the rest of the year.
The hubby and I went to Morocco for the first time
(and LOVED it, wonderful place, wonderful people).
I've made peace with not having our own kids
(adoption is not an option for us due to my family background).
I've made a lot of new friends,
done a lot of new things.
My net worth is up,
my intelligence is up (due to constant reading),
my happiness level is up.

Looking forward to 2008.
So many opps on the horizon.

[tbsells]

Blessings of 07
1. Still very much in love with my wife of 16 years. She was my high school sweetheart and we had one of our best years together this year. People on both sides of our family are heading towards divorce and its very painful. I'm thankful to be happily married.
2. The kids are doing well in school, sports, and are heading in the right direction. They have good christian character and moral values, which is tough in this world. I know people with kid problems and its a major roadblock to enjoying ones daily life. Mine are not raised yet, so I am definitely not bragging. But, I am optimistic and thats a blessing.
3. I have time to coach the kids in sports. Coaching soccer is one of my greatest joys. My wife coaches also and the kids all play. It's something we take serious and have alot of fun with. I also coach youth basketball. I'm thankful to have time to do these things.
4. My 89 year old grandma is still here. She had emergency life saving surgery in August and for a while it didn't look like she would make it. She recovered and after a couple months of rehab was able to move back home. I saw her at Christmas. Definitely a blessing.
5. Business was not as good as usual but still good enough to live comfortably. I'm overly invested in residential real estate. My job and all my investments in the same basket. I need to diversify. But, the focus of this thread is on blesssings and even in a down year I did pretty well. Thats something to be thankful for.
6. I have good parents who are still an important part of my life. Lessons learned from them at home guide my daily life and have given me the foundation on which to build a successful life. A blessing many do not have and one that I am very thankful for.

Thanks Russ for starting this thread. A quiet time of introspection is important from time to time in life and this topic is something for everyone to consider. It helps put things in perspective.

[kimberland]

People on both sides of our family are heading towards divorce and its very painful. I'm thankful to be happily married.

I hear you.
Seems like every day we hear about another couple splitting up
(the hubby and I have been together 15 years, 10 of those married).

A decade back,
I thought that 50% divorce rate folks throw around was bullsh**
but now I think it is low.

Marriage is work
(the work being done by both spouses)
and most people are lazy.

[yveskleinsky]

This past year has been amazing for me. Here's my laundry list of things that have been great during this year:

I turned 30, and was/am excited to start this chapter in my life.

I met my business partner and great friend, WildAmbitions. I am a better person for knowing her- she is always a ray of sunshine...well, 28 days out of the month she is

I went on lots of mini-vacations, one of the best was meeting up with 2 college roomates (one of which is still my best friend) in Vegas. I had such a great time with her, spending time with her totally recharges me.

I have come to peace with the fact that real estate/business is what I enjoy and how I want to spend my time- not developing a career. (This was a big one for me, as I've had to make new friends and learn to tune out unsupportive people- as well as embrace a way of life that can be a roller coaster!)

I bought 2 vacation rental cabins that have done well for us- and learned a TON about how to determine if a property is "good" or not.

WildAmbitions and I started our cabin operation, and that has been such a growing experience- and has made me a better person in so many ways! I am more organized, more on top of things, more proactive, and a better listener- not to mention how much I learned about websites and the power of the internet!

I found this forum, which has been such a blessing. Being here also recharges me, helps me to check my attitude and I am always learning something new.

I am the most financially stable that I have ever been in my life right now- and it's one step of many- but gaining traction is exciting!

We hired 2 housekeepers for our business and that has worked out well.

I am working on, and have applied continually this year, the attitude of cultivating thankfulness, gratitute and spreading goodness to others. Currently I am working on spreading good juju to 5 people everyday. This is done through an email, a small gift a donation, a compliment or a nice card- to just name a few.

I have learned a lot about sales, and am continually fascinated by the process and now selling is becoming kinda of like a game for me. I actually enjoy it!

I just signed up for flight lessons and I am looking forward to those.

Probably the three biggest changes/blessings though have been in my attitude, organization and developing a focus. I work daily on having a positive attitude and laughing a lot. I have also spent a lot of time on streamlining my life- and the results have been better than I could have ever expected! I had no idea how tied together my stress was with being disorganized. Things click along so much easier now! I also spend time focusing- sometimes I have to set a timer and force myself to spend 10 minutes on something before I move along to the next project- but I am happier once I complete whatever I am doing!

I am happy where I am in life, and excited about moving forward- and I don't know if I can ask for much more than that!

[6.0_bull]

Russ H .......Great Post

So so important to reflect and see what you actually accomplished if not just as important as future goal setting.

[kimberland]

I turned 30, and was/am excited to start this chapter in my life.

I'm loving my 30's (36 right now).
I have enough confidence not to care what other people think
and enough drive to get me where I want to go.

LOVE it!