I recently read The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. In the book Randy discusses various setbacks, or as he likes to call them, brick walls. He never felt that the brick walls were there to stop you in your pursuits, but 
rather to give you a chance to prove how much you really want something.
When running up against the brick wall of the economy and housing market this year, I used the opportunity to figure out how much (or whether) I really wanted a career in real estate. Others may look at this brick wall as one of the worst things to happen to them and their real estate career, but I looked at this brick wall as a genuine gift. You see, this brick wall enabled me to look at myself objectively and make the decision to begin a new chapter in my life (see A New Chapter Begins...).
Brick walls will happen from time to time. They are there for a reason. Don't let them stop you. Instead, climb over or around them (or smash through them!) in order to get what you want out of life, whatever that may be for you. If you follow your heart, it will tell you which path to take, just as it did for me.
So, looking back over the past year, I'm actually grateful for the brick wall of 2008. It was a difficult year, no doubt about it, but a year of change, growth and emerging opportunity. I intend to make 2009 one of the best years ever. How about you? Any lessons learned?
Live your best life!
Thanks for the comment and relating it to a TEMPORARY situation not a dead end. I really like the brick wall analogy.
Tom Larsen
Kelly,
A lot of people don't realize how porous a brick wall actually is. Have a great 2009. :)
Steve
Kelly, great post and a great analogy ! I like "smashing through the brick wall" . It was a tough year but I agree with you, that these trials and tribulations can be very rewarding. I believe the agents that make it through this will be very well rewarded when things turn around. Also, one can adapt a little bit with the market by working with what works in your local market... for us it has been a few more short sales and first time homebuyers. FHA is king in many markets right now : )
Tom: There are no dead ends (if you look hard enough, you will find a solution). And thanks go to the late Randy Pausch for the analogy. :)
Steve: I'm looking forward to it...I hope your 2009 is great, too!
Christopher and Stephanie: Some agents, like yourselves, will adapt or change to stay in real estate no matter what. Others, like me, will launch themselves into totally new opportunities. It's all very exciting!
Remember Kelly from The Last Lecture, the brick wall is there for the "other" people, not Kelly. You will do fine.
Kelly - This book is sitting on my nightstand and one day when I am not going to bed too exhausted, i plan on starting to read it.
I love "The Last Lecture" and still cry when I think about what a great man Randy Paush was! What an inspiration!
I hope your year of 2009 will be all that you want it to be, the best ever. Happy New Year!
Gary: No worries here!
Carol: Enjoy!
Terrie: I agree! Happy New Year to you, too!