Think Positive!

During these economic times it can be difficult to be grateful for what you have..
Take it from me- There are days in my life when it's easier to think about all of the negative occurrences, and to play victim.... (Hello real estate market!).
I've learned that negativity loves company... so you will always find someone to complain to & with... Don't fall into this never ending cycle!

Now is the time to re-focus your energy towards a positive daily outlook!
When you think & act positively.. good things will happen to you.

Here are ways to re-shape your attitude in your daily life.

3:1 Ratio:
Whenever something goes wrong, challenge yourself to find 3 good things about the situation. By identifying positives about a situation that might otherwise be considered a problem, you will train your mind to search for the good!

Gratitude Box:
Start a "thank you box". Whenever you feel grateful for something a spouse or friend or family member has done for you, write it down and put it in the box!
Read them on Monday's to ensure you have a positive week!

Journal:
Record 5 things you are thankful for each day. I promise you will notice a huge difference in your attitude.
When you treasure the small things in life, you are able to let go of the negative BS.

How do you stay positive?

6 Ways to Feel Happier Instantly!

I read this article in Glamour Magazine and loved it, so I had to share!!


1. Have a cookie before noon or a drink before 5:00p. You REBEL you!

2. Overtip!!

3. Smile. Fake happiness always ends up feeling at least a little like the real thing

4. Resist: the $250 shoes, the third doughnut, the same old fight..
Sometimes happiness is about what you don't do.

5. Tell someone how much they are appreciated!

6. Think back one more time to heroic Sully, landing that plane gently and flawlessly on the Hudson River.

I hope this made your day just a little bit better :)

Thanks to Kimberly Bonnell & Pamela Redmond Satran for this article

Natural Swimming Pools in Central Texas

Happy Summer!
Whether you're wanting some exercise, a relaxing soak, or a place to splash, Central Texas has the watery venue for a fun day in the sun! Don't forget the SPF.

Hamilton Pool30 miles west of Austin on FM 3238 in Hamilton Preserve(512) 264-2740 / www.co.travis.tx.us/tnr/parks/hamilton_pool.asp

Sculpture Falls on Barton Creeks. Mopac Expressway and Loop-360, Austin, TX Located 1.3 miles upstream of the Mopac bridge, this out-and-back hike begins midway along the Barton Creek Greenbelt
Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin1600 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730(512)346-1831 / http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/emmalong.htm

Barton Springs Natural Pool2101 Barton Springs Road (located in Zilker Park), Austin, Texas 78704 (512) 476-9044 / http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks/bartonsprings.htm

Krause Springs(830) 693-4181 / http://www.krausesprings.net/
Located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 30 miles west of Austin.



Sincerely,
Cortney Zieky, REALTOR
Exit Realty Associates
Direct: 512-779-5396
http://www.czieky.exit620.com/ SEARCH OUR LISTINGS!

Let me know if you have any questions about the Austin Real Estate Market. I'm happy to help!

Mid Year Review

So the year 2009 is nearly half way over. Can you believe it??

During this time, I usually set aside a day to reflect on my goals & my progress.
A) I review my daily/weekly/monthly activities over the past 6 months....Have my actions placed me closer to my goals? Do I need to re-adjust my activities in order to meet my goals?
B) I notice if my priorities or goals have shifted and adjust accordingly.

This is a post from January that I am using as a re-motivator for the rest of the year.
I hope it is helpful & inspiring for you!


Take Success & Prosperity One Day at a time in 2009!
Lao Tzu famously wrote, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step". With today's fast-paced lifestyle, it's easy to discount this sentiment or become impatient when results don't occur instantly.
Making fundamental changes takes time, commitment and patience.

Here's how you can Win each day in 2009.
1. Focus on Your Goals
Use your long term goals to inspire you to set short term goals for each day/week that will lead you to your final goal.

2. Structure Your Day
Time blocking or scheduling is the most effective method of ensuring that you have enough time and focused energy to complete important tasks.

3. Take Action
You won't be able to win the day without action! Set your 2009 goals and put together a plan that will help you get there step by step.

4. Learn To Value Each Day!
In getting caught up in big goals, we often fail to understand all the little steps required along the way to get there. Each day represents an important piece of your ultimate goal and should be valued accordingly!

I hope your 2009 is filled with love, laughter and abundance!

Sincerely,

Cortney Zieky

Don't Worry, Be Happy!

After spending a relaxing weekend with my husband, I was really inspired by this article and thought I would share! Sonja Lyubormirsky auther of The How of Happiness explains why a positive attitude is good for you and your business.

As a "secret" reader/believer I couldn't agree more with her notions!



1. How is it possible to be happy when things seem to be going wrong at every turn?

Human beings are very resilient. We're really good at coping and doing things that dull pain.
It's called positive reappraisal.

What good can come of a bad situation? People often find that they can rise to the occasion and discover their strengths. Sometimes people re prioritize what's important to them, or they may learn a new skill. Ex) You can no longer afford to hire someone to make repairs round the house, so now you have to fix things yourself. You may discover you're good at it, or enjoy it!



2. In your book you say happier people earn more money, do better on the job and are healthier than unhappy people. Why?

Clearly there's a bidirectional relationship. Happiness leads people to be more successful in different domains of their life. Whey you're in a positive mood, you're more likely to be creative. Your immune system is stronger and it's easier to obtain clients.

People are more like able whey they're positive.

Positive emotions lead people to be more sociable.



3. You've said that unhappy people dwell on negative events. Should people stop overanalyzing their unhappy childhoods, stock losses or bad days on the job?

Yes, dwelling, ruminating and overthinking are passive, repetitive things.
It's not problem solving.



4. How do you savor the good things in life?

Writing your blessings in a journal

Say Thank You

Savor good thinks in life- Coffee, flowers, mornings

Have goals and take steps toward achieving them

Forgive

Exercise

SMILE!



What will you do to be the type of person who sees the glass as half-full?....

Look at the big picture. Be optimistic about the future, knowing that things will get better!

Motivation for 2009

In 2009 I am striving to be my "best" self in my personal and professional life!
I came across Mother Teresa's legacy yesterday, and thought it was very fitting for my 2009 New Years Resolution.

I'm sure I will fall far, far below the standards that Mother Teresa set, but hey I can try!

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered: Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed Anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people will cheat you; Be honest anyway

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway

If you find serenity & happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway

The good you do today, people will forget tomorrow; Do good anyway

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway!!!



It is never between "you" and "them" anyway!!

Live your best life! Be your best self!

Happy New Year!