How to be happy
It’s something we all want. Our country is based in part on the pursuit of happiness. What is it that makes us happy? Is it money? Is it fame? Celebrity? Is it free time? Is it meaningful work? Or achievement?
Turns out it’s none of those things.
There is one thing that we have learned. Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. This comes from an 81 year long Harvard Study.
Social Connections are good for us. Loneliness kills. Isolation greater than we desire causes us pain and loneliness.
And it’s not just the number of friends or being in a relationship. Quality of the relationships is paramount. If you have a few really good friends you will have a better quality of life and likely live longer, healthier than those who don’t. Friends come and friends go so we have to work hard at creating new friendships or maintaining our current ones.
It’s not easy but good relationships protect our bodies and our brains. Our memories are intact longer and things like cholesterol are less important that you might think.
Check out this TED talk and this article I found that bring this to us.
So, why do I bring this up? Well, I get objections to working by referral as being messy. Dealing with people at this level can be exhausting but the rewards far outweigh the cost.
Yes, we might be called upon to help get a house ready to sell. I’ve personally helped load a 22 yard dumpster so we can close. I’ve also cleaned bathtubs, vacuumed floors and done some painting or lawn work, not as a real estate agent but as a friend who wants to help.
The result has been some life long friendships that I treasure and as it turns out, might help me live longer. Not a bad trade in my book.
I love what I get to do and working by referral has been one of the most satisfying parts of my business. To know I made a difference in someone’s life. It’s a great feeling.
Why do you work? Is it just to survive or is it to make a difference in someone’s life. What have you done to get a deal to close that made a new friend? I’d love to hear from you. Comment below or email me.