Daily Intent

“You will never see someone play harder than I will play the rest of the season.  You will never see someone push their team harder than I will push my team the rest of the season…” - Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Florida Gators  mid-season after being questioned about his lackluster performance.  They went on to win the National Championship.

“Considering that you are the state’s highest-paid employee, and there is a $2 billion budget deficit, do you think…,” -Media questioning Jim Calhoun, the head coach of University of Connecticut’s men’s basketball team.  His salary is $2 million per year.

Have you had a chance to watch the NBA playoffs?  ESPN’s SportCenter with the recaps?

The first round playoff games themselves have had their dramatics, led by the Celtics vs. Bulls series, 4 games out of 7 went into overtime.  However, what has been most curious to me are the pre-game, mid-game, and post-game interviews.

Dealing with a reporter throughout a day of work is something from which we all can all learn.

Imagine for a moment that Craig Sager, in is horrible color combination suit, walks into your office mid-day, amidst the busiest, most stressful time of your year, after you blew a big deal with one of your main clients and begins probing for an emotional response.  He brings up your competitor having a great day, then notes your lack of planning, low energy, and focus.

Now imagine your day has come to an end.  You are exhausted and ready for a good meal at home with your family.  And in walks twenty reporters from the local, regional and national media, all wanting to know exactly what Craig Sager wanted to know, and all wanting to dig ever deeper.

Were this your reality, would you work harder each moment of every day?  Would you focus with greater intention?  Would you wake up thirty minutes earlier to ensure you are prepared and your day is planned out?  Would you return to the drawing board after dinner to analyze and draw out your positives and negatives for the day.

Don’t misinterpret this all:  Being a work-a-holic is not what I’m demanding.  I’m demanding better focus on our actions throughout our day of work. 

Buzzword: Tie
To finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc.; ‘The teams drew a tie.’

Draw: the finish of a contest in which the score is tied and the winner is undecided; “the local men’s Santa Barbara softball game ended in a draw; their record is now 3 wins, 1 loss and 10 ties.”

The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, neither wanted to win.  Four of their games resulted in a tie after regulation.

  Six Points to Ponder:

   1. U.S. pending home resales were up 3.2% in March over February.  Lower interest rates and lower home prices aid in purchases.
   2. Market gains appreciated.  Dow back to January levels.  The Dow rises to 8377.  S&P 500 currently at 894 and the Nasdaq climbs to 1745.  Oil consistent at $53.
   3. Chrysler declares bankruptcy.  Pontiac line dropped by GM.
   4. Swine Flu takes lives, influences how others live them.
   5. Callaway golf sees an 83% drop in first quarter profits.  Muni courses report: Golf scores nationwide rise due to inconsistent play.
   6. Celtics move on to the next round after the most evenly matched playoff series ever.  Lakers and Cavs well rested heading into this week’s second round.  King James earns MVP honors.

Positives:

    * Home prices dropping and rates staying consistently low are allowing for better homeownership affordability.  First time home buyers are getting into the market.
    * Our depressing start to the year has all but been erased.  The markets are fighting hard to return to relatively reasonable levels.  Be sure to strategize with a professional when determining how and when to get in and out of the markets.
    * NBA playoff basketball.  Lakers tonight. 

Negatives:

    * Defaults on home mortgages continue to rise alongside unemployment.  Until these two statistics plateau, there will be continued downward home pricing pressures.
    * The American car as we’ve known it appears to be transforming.  The bankruptcy process is expected to be a quick one.  The result will be of high interest.  GM is one step closer to going through bankruptcy as Obama backs unions over lenders.
    * Many communal events have been canceled in the South due to Swine Flu concerns.  Pigs are being slaughtered across the globe due to fear.  Mexico has been quarantined by China.  Moreover, many governments are using this as a perfect excuse for more protectionist behaviors, never a positive for free markets.
    * Golfers are pulling back as their pocket books are squeezed.  Their scores are suffering as a result.

Services: Brainstorming
  Lately I’ve been spending more time helping clients and friends brainstorm future moves and how they affect their home purchasing, selling or renting realities.  Please don’t feel as is you are wasting my time.  I’m never too busy to create space and time to brainstorm and plan your next steps.

Local:  Nite Moves - 1k Swim and 5k Run
Where: Leadbetter
When: Wednesday, 6:15pm
Cost: Varies based of single or season purchase
Why:  Better your health.  Surround yourself by healthy, positive living locals.

Live and Be Well,

Jeff Bochsler