As Christmas rapidly approaches (every year), I often take time to reflect upon the previous 12 months. All I can say is: Wow! 2008 was definitely one to remember. I was on the front lines of the largest financial crisis since the Great Depression. I had a partnership develop and fail within the year. I saw the demise of my company, Elan Financial Group, as a residential mortgage practice. So I switched to 1st Metropolitan Mortgage. I moved my family to Charlotte and then back to Roanoke. I saw many people fail this year. I'm fortunate to not be one of them. I was also able to witness my kids grow a little closer to the people they will become. Man, they are smart and beautiful and most importantly, funny. I was able to watch my wife as she grew closer to achieving her dream of owning her own business one day in the near future. Perhaps she'll have a blog one day........
As with any time spent worthwhile, I learned. I take these lessons from a very tumultuous year and realized the mistakes I have made, as well as the mistakes others have made and I will invest them in my future. What else can I do with them?
Do you know what I've learned? I've learned that there is always a way. A way to find what you want and work towards it. You can have whatever you want, as long as you know what it is. 2009 is going to be a tough year for many. Though tough times don't last. Tough people do.
Figure out what you want. Make the concessions in your life to obtain them. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid.
Oh yeah, and don't forget to call me to refinance your house! Great mortgage rates are coming!
