At the end of June, I had a terrific trip to New York City and spent the evening with a few Staging Diva Graduates. Then I came home and got busy creating a new free resource for home stagers which you’ll read more about this month.

July, however, was one of the most challenging months I’ve had in a long time. I initiated many changes and I had to continually stand my ground and stay focused on what I needed to have happen.

In the midst of it, my Internet service kept going down, and then a vase of water spilled on my laptop. Being without it was like trying to work with one hand tied behind my back.

My fabulous team helped me through it all, along with a quote by Harriet Beecher Stowe who said, “Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”

I’ve coached many of my students about the dangers of letting “life” get in the way of building your business. There will always be surprises, inconveniences, or other peoples’ needs to interrupt your mission. You need to keep moving towards your goals, at whatever pace you can. Sometimes, you also need to have the courage to say “no” to others, stop settling or compromising on what’s really important, and put your own needs first.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and don’t forget to put your plans in place for the fall real estate season that begins right after Labor Day!