Streaking

When I chose to write about streaking, I don’t mean running around with your clothes off. What I mean is to consecutively string together some good habits so that you create some momentum. We all know that we could do better in many area’s of our life, the first part of your new streak is to make a decision to do something about it. Eating right, working out or saving money once in a blue moon is meaningless unless you make the commitment to do it over the long term, and that is what streaking is essentially.

Back in late February I had made the decision to run the Bluenose 1/2 marathon. At that point I was running sporadically and was definitely not doing the training required to successfully complete the race distance. However the funny things about making a commitment about a goal is that once you decide to do it then things start appear in your life to help you make it happen.

I had just recently connected with a runner online who invited me to join her April running challenge. She was in the middle of her consecutive streak of daily half marathons and wanted others to join her to run every day in April. This challenge offered me the perfect opportunity to ramp up my training and as a result I accepted her offer and did not miss a day in April while I steadily built up my training. Although I did not run a half every day I still ran and mixed up my distances and routes to help me get though it.

The streak starts with your decision to do it and stick with it. Once you decide then you will be surprised at what comes into your life to help you make that possible. Start your streak towards a better life today.

Today I am thankful for my new friend Helen for inviting me to streak with her and grow in the process, I am thankful for the people who have shown up in my life and have always helped me strive toward my goals and realizing that starting is always the hardest part.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Limits, labels & expectations

Life would be much better for us and everyone around us if we just stopped putting limits, labels or expectations on ourselves and others. Athletic achievements are being broken almost everyday yet we have not evolved significantly in the last 100 years or so.

People are forming companies and creating more wealth for themselves and others than has ever been thought possible. Yet at the same time, there are still millions struggling to get buy monthly what the average person here in North America spends per day at Starbucks.

Lastly more strife and division has been created in society because we put labels on people or groups because they are different than us. It should not matter if someone is of a different ethinicy, sexual orientation, or religion. We are all just human and we have far more in common than we differ. 

It is when we lift the limits, labels and expectations for ourselves and others that the true magic in life starts to happen. Once you believe that anything is possible, your world will change for the better exponentially.

Let us all strive to remove limits, labels and expectations from our lives and embrace the infinite potential that lies within us all. Let us celebrate our differences and recognize that diversity is what makes our world so beautiful and unique. Let us support and encourage each other to push beyond our perceived limitations and reach for the stars. Remember, anything is possible if you believe it is. So, let us believe in ourselves and in each other, and together we can achieve incredible things.

Today I am thankful for the weekly speed run where I push past my previous limits, that my wife just received her new birthday present two weeks early and the power that comes from thinking that anything is possible.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Gordon

The name Gordon is quintessentially Canadian like poutine, hockey or maple syrup. The popularity of the name stems from the Scottish ancestry that was common among many of the early settlers to Canada. While we are much more diverse today, the name is common among many famous Canadians and was even the name of the debut album by Barenaked Ladies. 

Here are just a few of our famous Gordon’s. Mr Hockey Gordie Howe, and if you were lucky enough to have a goal, an assist and a fight in a game you would have had a Gordie Howe Hat Trick. Gordon Sinclair the legendary journalist & broadcaster from CBC’s Front Page Challenge. Gordon Pinsent the “CodFather” famous actor from Newfoundland. Gord Downie who was the lead singer for the Tragically Hip. 

I was inspired to write this today as we just lost another one of our famous “Gordon’s”. Gordon Lightfoot, the iconic signer/songwriter passed away last night at the age of 84. While my kids may never have heard one of his songs, he was one of Canada’s greatest musicians. Leaving us with great songs like “If you could read my mind”, “Carefree Highway” and “Sundown”. Just ask Alexa to play some Gordon Lightfoot today to celebrate his incredible accomplishments in music.

His legacy and contributions in music will always be remembered and cherished. Many Canadian artists have been inspired by his work, and he has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the Canadian music scene. His music will continue to live on, and his name will forever be remembered as one of Canada’s greatest musicians.

Sorry I can’t always write about mortgage & finances.

Today I am thankful for the musical legacy left to us by Gordon Lightfoot, that he was a great songwriter because of a little inspiration and a lot of hard work and that his work will continue to inspire us for years to come.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Friends with benefits

Friends with benefits after a snow storm are neighbours who have snowblowers who take pity on you while you are shovelling your driveway. I don’t know what you were thinking! Although the fresh air and exercise made me feel much better.

In terms of mortgages, they are family members who are able to help you out either with a down payment or to come on and co sign a mortgage with you if you are having challenges qualifying for the mortgage on your own. If you don’t have any friends with benefits at least you can be there for someone else.

Today I am thankful for those nice people with snowblowers, the enjoyment of seeing my son and his dog play in the snow and the slower pace of a snow day.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Perception vs reality

Johnny & Frankie were invited to Suzie’s birthday party. Johnny was in a bad mood when he got there as his parents made him clean up his room before going to the party. However Frankie was in a good mood as he had already cleaned his room and got to play video games before going to the party. So as a result Frankie had a great time and thought it was a great party while Johnny didn’t talk with anyone and thought it was a stupid party.

Their attitudes skewed their perception of the party. Since Johnny was in a bad mood it was a bad party and Frankie was in a good mood so it was a good party. Their perceptions affected their reality. The same thing applies to many things in life as this shows that we get what we focus on. When we are happy we see everything as contributing to our happiness and the same is also true when we are in a bad mood.

The game of perception vs reality is alive in well in the real estate and mortgage businesses as well. Two different couples viewing the same property could have vastly different experiences. One group sees a dump and is insulted that their realtor showed them the property while the second group sees the stream running though the back of the property, the huge yard and the great potential of the property with a little hard work. Same property two different perceptions.

In regards to the mortgage market, I have access to private funds for people who would not otherwise qualify for traditional financing. Presenting a private option to a high net worth client who has impeccable credit and provable income may come across as insulting to them given the high cost of funds and that they would qualify for a much less expensive option. However a private loan may be a life saver to a couple who have had a few hard nocks and provide them a life line to turn their situation around for the better. Same product two different perceptions.

So how you perceive things may change from day to day and person to person. A speeding ticket may be the wake up call for one person while sending someone else down a spiral thinking that the law enforcement was out to get them. When we change our perception our reality changes.

Today I am thankful for chance to change people’s perceptions on a daily basis, that my daughter called asking for my help at 6:30 am today and knowing that every situation can be viewed either good or bad and the choice is up to us.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Hard Things

One of the keys to having a great day is by starting with hard things first. I have always gotten up early and do my workout 1st thing in the morning, it makes the rest of the day so much better. Today I got up, did my meditation ( thank you headspace) my stretching ( we have to stay limber as we get older) and walked the dog. Because it was -12c I wasn’t really excited about going for my run but I did it anyway.

Since I don’t drink coffee, the morning workout is my primer for a great day ahead. Even though running in -12 didn’t excite me, it was a nice bright clear morning and I need to stay consistent if I am going to do the half in the Bluenose in lest than 3 months. It was a great run and I am glad that I did it, and I have never regretting doing a workout and knowing that always helps.

We all have things that we want to accomplish but sadly most of don’t make any consistent progress toward our goals. Personally I find by doing the hardest things early in my day the rest of the day is a breeze. Have a paper to write, then get at it first thing. Prospecting, paperwork or planning for an event? Then get this done the earlier the better. Big tasks taken off your to do list will make doing everything else that much easier. This gives you the sense of accomplishment that provides the spark to get everything else done as well. So start well to end well.

Today I am thankful for the power of daily routine to keep me going, doing things that I didn’t want to do but glad that it got done and for clients who see my posts and think of me to help them, thank you.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Find a way

There is no easy path to success, we all encounter obstacles and setbacks along the way. It’s when we are faced with these challenges that our true character is revealed. It’s in those times that we either find an excuse for why it can’t be done or we find a way to get it done. There are no other options.

Ask any successful person or read biographies of those who have achieved massive success and you will find example upon example of hard work and perseverance to get to where they wanted to go. Innate talent is just a label those who are unwilling to put in the work use to describe those who are succeeding as an excuse for why it is not working for them. When people says that someone is talented or naturally smart they are just discounting all the work and effort that they put in to get them where they are today.

Successful people don’t just come from any one demographic, physical location, religion or ethnicity. It comes from those who have the mindset that says that no matter what happens to them, they will find a way and get it done. There are tons of people who come from disadvantaged socioeconomic areas to become successful business people, doctors, lawyers, accountants or engineers. Just like there are many who have lost weight and kept it off by a change in mindset and lots and lots of hard work. The same applies to those who are seemingly drowning in debt and have somehow found a way to crawl out of it and pay it off without resorting to means that allowed them walk away from the responsibility.

So don’t let your current situation define you. You are more than your pile of bills, your current weight or you unfulfilling job or relationship. If you need a kick in the pants to get yourself going then pick up and read one of David Goggins books and see how he turned his life around and continues to excel every day. You got this.

Today I am thankful for my dog that gets me up and out the door every morning even when I don’t feel like it, a cool crisp run on a winter’s morning and the fact that I have overcome all my past obstacles to get this far.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Librenoodle

More often than not we create far more problems in the space between our two ears than exist in reality in the external world. Truthfully we have the capacity to create a heaven from hell however most of us tend to go the other way around!

Librenoodle is just a play on words meaning that sometimes we just need to get out of our own head and out of our own way to make things better. Stop imagining the worst that could happen and instead focus on what is happening right now. The future has not happened and the past is gone.

During the day off yesterday I watched some travel bike packing video’s. In one of them a woman from New Zealand said that some days could be bad but they would not be 100% bad and that by focusing on that 1% then everything else would be all right. What a beautiful way to look at life.

Today I am thankful that my wild child is home for her spring break from university, that my son had a great basketball tournament over the weekend and that my eldest child is enjoying her spring break with her friends at University.

Things are never as bad as we make them out to be. We need to experience each moment as it is and also focus on where we ultimately want to go. We are driving this car called life and it’s not best to go around aiming at tree’s.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

The best time

So many people make the mistake of thinking that the best time of their lives was their childhood or it will be when they finely retire and don’t have to work any more. Nothing could be further from the truth than that as the best time of your life is always now. We don’t know how long we will get, so it’s best to make the most of every moment of your life.

Clients have always asked me when is the best time to buy a house. I always tell them that the best time to buy is always now. If it will be the roof over your head, rather than a speculative investment then it’s always best to buy now. I always follow up by saying that as long as it is your intention to live in it over the long term then it is always best to buy now.

So get your head of the past or your dreams of the future and start realizing just how great today is. The present truly is a gift and it is about time that we all wake up and realize that. Don’t wait till XYZ happens before you decide to do that thing or to finely be happy. Do it now and decide to be happy today, as you never know how long you truly have.

Oliver Burkeman wrote his book “Four Thousand Weeks” as an illustration on the average lifespan. Sadly we don’t all get four thousand weeks, my Mom who passed away from cancer in 2005 didn’t, and many many other don’t. So make the best of the best time of your life, which is now.

Today I am thankful for our dog Augie who brings so much joy to our lives, appreciating the little moments cause at the end of life they are all that matter and new perspectives from new books.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here

Burn your bridges

Anthony Robbins says is best when he says that “in your moments of decision, your destiny is shaped”. This is true because when you commit to a decision you essentially cut off all other options. You have decided and you are going for it. Don’t give it a half arsed effort, burn your bridges and commit fully to your decision.

When you burn your bridges you cut off any possible chance of retreat. Going forward is your only possibility so give it 100%. Far too often people want to keep their options open just to see what happens. However you end up getting nothing in return. It is far more rewarding to commit to a relationship than to just play the filed and see what develops.

One of my favourite bands The Tragically Hip said this is “No dress rehearsal, this is our life”. We don’t get another chance at this, commit fully & completely ( yes another Hip reference) and give it your all and you will be much better off in the end.

Today I am thankful for discovering new perspectives from new books, having my favourite songs stuck in my head and reaping the rewards of being fully committed and not turning back.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here