Last Year’s “holiday” blog on gratitude was very popular and is linked here. The post speaks on the importance of appreciation for a happy life. The list (in the post) is intended as a practical application of brain science.
But does an attitude of gratitude make you money?
This question caused me to rethink the relationship of ‘spiritual’ or ‘mental health’ principles to profitable business practices. From last year’s blog, the research showed benefits with: relationships, physical and emotional health, reduced anger/isolation, sleep, self-esteem, and even improved brain power! Cool.
So, do these things cost me money? Or do they help make more money?
Let’s start with the obvious: what’s in an appraiser’s required belief system: Standards, ethics, and conduct. Recall that USPAP requires you to be worthy. Worthy of belief. Credible.
So, what in that list [click here to see the original list] helps me make more money? I think the following help me: brain power, self-esteem, less resentment, and physical health.
Now we move through our holidays. Of gratitude, of giving, of celebrating renewal, and remembering visionaries and our ‘cherry tree’ and ‘Honest Abe’ presidents.
A good time to personally and professionally take a look at self. It led me to humility.
I struggled with the word humility for years, never finding something that made sense. What I discovered is that it does not mean shy, demeaned, shamed, or humiliated. The best definition found – humility is:
“a clear recognition of what and who we really are, followed by a sincere attempt to become what we could be.”[1]
This has immense application to my profession as an appraiser, as an asset analyst. It directs me to look at my competency, my skills and abilities. To decline work or become competent. To continue to learn and grow as a human being, and a professional. To be the best I can be.
To be the best me possible – is the gift I have to return. I have to. That is my duty and my joy.
[1] From: 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous
November 26, 2019 @ 1:45 am
George, what a timely subject for this time of the year. The holidays bring on added stresses for many.
I have held several career positions before entering appraisal and starting all over as a trainee… It has been my experience that the more I try to do a good job, give more than expected, the more I am rewarded with referrals to better clients.
While I started out with a quota of 15 reports per week, I now am able to make a living on just one report a week.
There have been several influential people in my appraisal life, I count you as number 1. Ever since I took your S&G1 in 2006, my reports have been changing.
Today Instead of writing 100-150 page reports, I mostly write 15-35 page reports that are more muscular, cogent, relevant; without the fluff of years gone bye.
Clients tell me that my reports are easy to read. They really like the graphs and colors I put into them Graphing the data, helps clients visually see and understand it better.
My way of passing it along is via a mentoring project started in 2006, that has taken the form of National Appraisers Forum at groups.io.
Many Asset Analysts are members of the group. We have 10 moderators who introduce topics, help move them along and watch our for any ego driven cryptic or negative posts.
November 26, 2019 @ 11:07 am
George, Steve,
Precisely! I have found that gratitude is an essential element of happiness and success in life. And, I thank both of you for your professional expertise and advice which have substantially contributed to my professional competence and success.
Michael Howard
Appraiser
Palm Springs, CA
November 26, 2019 @ 12:05 pm
George, thanks as always for your perspective. Gratitude was my mantra for 2019. While I can’t say I’ve made more money, I think I’ve been more content, which definitely counts for something. Happiness, after all, isn’t only measured in money. Wishing you the best this Thanksgiving.
November 28, 2019 @ 3:54 am
I love this post! I especially love the definition of humility. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
November 29, 2019 @ 7:53 am
You are human after all. LOL