Blog
Daily Habits for a Winning Life
Ever since I was a young girl, I made my bed every day. I made it if I was sick, or late, or simply not in the mood. This habit, come rain or shine,(well almost) I have taken into adulthood.
I adopted this one habit among many and have trained myself into mastering discipline. I compare it with breathing. I do it without even realizing it. It's so ingrained in me that it is like the nose on my face; it's there, but I don't even notice it.
The quote by renowned author John C. Maxwell says, " You'll never change your life until you change something that you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.”
I concur wholeheartedly.
Here are some daily habits that you can adopt to kickstart good habits and saying no to poor excuses.
It starts in the morning.
Make your bed. One, it is a matter of discipline, and two: have you ever tried to get ready in the morning with a messy bed? It causes chaos and frenetic energy. You set something down and lose it in a sea of sheets and comforters. It is not a good way to start the day.
Eat a healthy, nutrition-packed breakfast. Food is energy, and you need the power to get through the day.
Drink your water. I know you hear that in every article, video, advertisement, etc. It is just a fact. Hydration keeps your body from fizzing out.
Meditation or prayer. Whichever you prefer, it connects you to a higher state or your higher power.
Get up earlier. The more time you have to get ready, the less anxiety you will have.
Make lists
Start with a complete list of the day’s tasks.
Prioritize. Whichever tasks you have promised, start there. The things that make money go to next. Or whichever way you want, but divide and conquer your list.
Check off the completed tasks as you complete them. In an APA Journal article, the authors state that Unfulfilled goals persist in the mind. Therefore, conclude and check off.
Network
Find people that have lofty goals and befriend them.
Collaborate with successful people.
Create value that attracts people to you.
Surround yourself with people that know more than you. Learning is the key to success and developing good habits.
Exercise
Start with a good stretch in the morning.
Walk at least thirty minutes or more a day. A body in motion stays in motion.
Find a friend to toe the line with you. An encouragement buddy will help you with motivation.
Celebrate the small wins you see in your body changes. You work hard for it, and it needs to be called a victory.
Go to bed
Make a set bedtime every night. As you practice this, your body’s rhythm will take over, and you will be ready for sleep at almost the same time every night.
Turn off your phone. No Instagram, TikTok, checking emails, etc. It is a surefire way down the path to insomnia.
Do not eat a heavy meal before bedtime. An over-filled belly at rest can lead to indigestion, reflux, and a sleepless night.
These are just some of the habits I try to practice to develop myself. There are many books that you can read that assist you on your way to a disciplined, better you.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R.Covey
High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Summer in the Bay! Short-Term Rental!
For decades, San Francisco and the entire Bay Area have been a hotspot for travel, culture, scenery, food, and more.
Now that San Francisco and the Bay Area opened up on June 15, 2021, people are making plans and traveling in droves to the city by the bay.
With fully vaccinated people being able to ditch the masks, the restaurants, bars, amusement parks, etc., will be back in the swing of things.
Although some businesses are closed due to the pandemic, it is hopeful that business recovery will be swift and successful.
If you want to travel to the Bay or live nearby, you may want to check out our SHORT-TERM RENTAL OF THE WEEK.
This spacious, three-bedroom, two-bath home is located a short distance to San Francisco, SFO, Beaches, SF State, and attractions like Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf, located near Hwy 1 to Pacifica, Halfmoon Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Carmel. The home has three bedrooms with a master bedroom/bath jacuzzi tub and seating area easily used as a sleeping area. Also feat two baths, equipped gourmet kitchen, living room with a large TV, deck with a BBQ /seating area: laundry facilities, Malls, grocery stores, restaurants, Bart nearby.
Space
This home has a relaxed feel because it’s so spacious. You get perks like two jacuzzi tubs, a super rare master bedroom with its master bath and seating area. This place is incredible because of the other amenities like the deck with a BBQ that sits right off the living room and kitchen for family fun. The home has WiFi Net Flix and Sling Tv to enjoy movies. If the pictures look any different from the house, it’s only because we’re designers, so we often change and upgrade the look of rooms, area rugs, and lamps, etc., but we are constantly upgrading it, so you’re guaranteed to have what you see or better!
International Woman's Day 2021
International Women's Day 2021
History
Since its inception in New York City in 1909, a day for Socialist women has grown into an international holiday, celebrated every March 8th.
In 1967, the feminist movement adopted International Women's Day, and in 1977, the UN officially recognized IWD as an international holiday.
The founders of this movement sought equality in voting and the workplace. Today it is an international movement celebrating the gender-equal rights of women and girls worldwide.
International Women's Day Theme
The campaign theme for International Women's Day 2021 is 'Choose To Challenge.’ A challenging world is an alert world. And from challenge comes change. So let's all #ChooseToChallenge.
It’s a call to bring awareness to gender-based issues and equality for all aspects of women's rights.
Equal rights in the workforce.
To advocate for your fellow sisters.
Challenge and break through the "Glass Ceiling."
Confront discrimination in all forms
Challenge yourself to be a disability, gender, racial, "all-inclusive."
Un's theme for IWD
The UN has also issued a theme for International Women's Day 2021, “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.”
Much of the world is at a standstill because of the Covid 19 pandemic; women have had to revert to more traditionally-at-home roles."
It has led to more worldwide domestic violence instances against women, unpaid care, unemployment, and increased poverty.
Already at a 257-year disparity before the pandemic hit, the equality between men and women offers a bleak outlook. It has set us back in our quest for equality. Agencies around the world agree.
We need to come together and work harder than ever to make up for the lost ground in women's rights that the pandemic has caused.
Why do we celebrate a day for women?
The celebration of women is gainful. The opportunity to teach our young people that we are created to live, love, experience, and devour all that life has to offer equally is paramount. In mentoring the youth, we have the golden opportunity to impress upon them that gender— sexual orientation—race—social status—wealth or poverty—religion—shouldn't matter. We are all born flesh and blood.
We have come a long way over the years but make no mistake—women still have to struggle to win elections—obtain equality in the home—gain equal pay, etc. We are more accepting of similar roles now than ever, but the race is halfway won. The journey is long, but our endurance is vigorous.
Be strong and unafraid in your womanhood. Enjoy the challenge to show your femininity and your strength. You can be a woman and a boss.
In the spirit of International Women's Day and the advancement and equality of women here and abroad, I ask that you fight harder, work harder, and be a pillar of strength for the generations that follow. It is a request for all people.
Kim & Kanye West
Paris, France, Palace of Versailles, Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, circa 2014 were just some of the luxe hotspots that made up the wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. A match made in couture heaven.
The marriage of Kim and Kanye Kardashian-West was a meeting of America’s favorite celebutante and hip-hop rapper/producer/fashion designer.
Now, after almost seven years, the two parents of four young children have thrown in the towel. Kimye is no more.
Kanye West states to People magazine that he believes that his botched run for the presidency was the “Straw that broke the camel’s back.”
In July, during a campaign speech, Kanye broke down in an emotional and somewhat embarrassing revelation about whether or not the couple should terminate or keep their first child North. The irrational TMI tidbit had Kim fuming, but she later stated that it was due to his Bipolar disorder.
Despite the split, the couple seeks an amicable divorce with joint custody, with Kim retaining joint physical custody. The couple has agreed thus far to uphold the prenuptial agreement. They seek the best options for co-parenting for their children and making the most of this unfortunate situation.
Marriage is comparable to running a business. When there are finances, assets, attorneys, and the like involved, it is best to keep a level head and do what is in the best interest of everyone involved. Kimye might be closed for business, but it looks like it will be far from a messy split.
Networking Tips
If your business is the bones, then networking is the lifeblood. It is an integral component of growing your business and cultivating ideas and information between like-minded people. It is one of many ways to increase knowledge, friendships, referrals, employment opportunities, and the like.
Here are some pointers to strengthen your business network.
Rolodex- Whether written or digital, a complete, alphabetized list of your contacts is like gold. Contact name, number, email address, social media links, and other pertinent information you need at your fingertips.
Answer all emails from your contacts. You never want someone on your list to reach out to you, and you ignore them. Always return phone calls, text messages, etc. You never know when that person may have a business for you or when you may need to reach out to them. Practice quid pro quo with earnest effort.
Attend mixers, conferences, parties remotely. It’s just as effective. It is enjoyable to connect with your potential clients, business contacts, and even new friends.
Social gatherings are one of the most important means of getting referrals. Holly Lynn, Queen of Capital ™, is an expert on networking in this setting.
Learn networking etiquette. Be friendly, relaxed, knowledgeable, and maintain eye contact even if it is through a computer screen.
If you get a business card, write down on the back where you met. It’s an excellent way to remember the contact, e.g., "Hi Jim; this is Holly; we met at the real estate brunch last Sunday."
The adage, "they tell two friends, and so on," could not describe networking better. Word of mouth, making possible connections, expanding growth through contacts is the networking arena’s cornerstone.
New Years 2021
It is with great pleasure that we are embarking on a new year. 2020 was a year for the record books. However, many of us have been blessed to get through it relatively unscathed. For those who have had a rough go of it–my heart goes out to you. It has not been easy.
Every aspect of living has been affected by this pandemic, including the mass exodus from California to other regions such as Austin, Texas, Phoenix, Arizona, Seattle, Washington, etc.
San Francisco was at the top of the rental market, but now it is starting to take a hit as many people opt for a suburban way of life, and the companies they work for are leading the way.
Large companies such as Apple, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, Tesla, and other major companies have decided to pack up and flee the golden state. Many have chosen Texas and Tennessee as their new home base.
With the average median listing price for a house in Texas being around a quarter of prices in the Bay Area, it seems that moving is the only option for folks in the current real estate and rental climate.
The one area that seems to be faring well is the short-term rental business. California is still booming with visits to Airbnb, Vrbo, and other short-term rental platforms.
Despite the pandemic, Airbnb decided to go public in 2020 and is off to a great start. The STR tech company that was valued at 31 billion in 2017 has had a growth rate of 15% over the last three years. As of today, January 7, the stock is up 4.80% at 149.65.
As for my short-term rental business, we have had a steady influx of visitors from all over. We have been growing exponentially over the last year. It does not seem that the pandemic is slowing the traveler down.
More often than not, the travelers are just looking for a place to escape the doldrums of home. As I have previously stated in my newsletters, travelers are many times coming from a 300-mile radius. Working from home has allowed the short-term rental market to soldier on.
Christmas
The time of year has come where hearts are abundant, and the spirit of giving is in full effect. The Christmas lights adorn houses; Christmas trees sit proudly in the windows, and the aromas of cinnamon, pine, and cookies waft out onto the street. Just like every year, right?
I am happy for you for the many that can still celebrate despite the current atmosphere caused by Covid-19. Your jobs are intact, albeit with some changes such as remote work, a cut in hours, or a revamp on your day-to-day business.
We must consider the millions that have lost everything they are used to having: jobs, homes, family members, the list goes on. More than ever, it is vital that we take care of the less fortunate, if possible. This year the less good look like our friends, neighbors, and family.
In years past, I have held an annual Toys for Tots event to spread holiday joy to children through donations of teddy bears, Barbie dolls, fire trucks, etc. We would have a blast networking, drinking, and eating, etc. This year the event has been deferred due to the pandemic.
However, even though we can not enjoy our annual party, we find other ways to make the skimpiest dollars stretch. Trips to the dollar store and Costco can go a long way with bulking up on essential items such as laundry detergent, socks, toothpaste, etc. Today Christmas is looking more like what everyone needs as opposed to what everyone wants.
Of course, if it is business as usual regarding your holiday, I would like to suggest that you make an effort to spend your money making more than just your loved ones fulfilled. The simple gifts of homemade bread, Christmas cards with grocery gift cards inside, a holiday dinner with all the accouterments, and other thoughtful presents that would brighten the spirits of a family in need would be no short of a welcomed blessing.
The bottom line is people need people more than ever for all kinds of reasons.
We have been fortunate with our short-term rental business this year for the most part. We weather the virus storm while keeping safe, as do our associates. I am still working full-time to provide my clients with the best in short-term rental management.
Thanksgiving
Now that the goblins, ghouls, pumpkins, and costumes are behind us, we can now plan for the next holiday: Thanksgiving!
Many families that have been in Covid-19 incarceration are opting for a vacation spot that can host the perfect holiday turkey fest.
With the pandemic still a constant worry amongst travelers–the idea for a vacation has renters desiring something that can facilitate family and take them out of their own house for the holiday. Many people still want to stay close to home–traveling approximately 50–100 miles or so.
If you have a large brood ready for pumpkin pie–be aware of Airbnb's policy effective August 20, 2020, that prohibits gatherings of more than 16 people–including both overnight guests and visitors–regardless of the host's authorization.
If you are an adventurer and want to have your trimmings abroad–check the State Department's website for information on what countries have opened back up for tourists. Exercising caution is paramount with all travel. Check out the CDC website for valuable information about traveling during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Whether you keep the home fires burning or opt for a European vacation, arm yourself with the rules and regulations of staying safe during these difficult times.
Halloween
If Halloween decorations, costumes, and a smoky punch bowl are in the forefront of your mind for a great party, keep Airbnb off of your list of potential party spots for the holiday weekend.
In an announcement made by Airbnb, they are prohibiting large gatherings from doing their part in the spread of Covid-19.
Airbnb has stated that it will also bring legal action against certain unauthorized parties. This announcement comes a year after shooting five young people at home–listed on the Airbnb platform– in Orinda, California.
Airbnb posted on their website, "To strengthen our hosts’ protection against parties amid concerns about a second wave of the pandemic, today we’re announcing that we’ll be prohibiting one-night reservations over the Halloween weekend in entire home listings in the United States or Canada. Further, we’ll bolster our existing protections and technologies aimed at stopping as many large gatherings as possible that weekend."
Starting October 2nd, guests will be unable to book entire homes for a single night on 10/30 or 10/31 in the United States and Canada.
For previously booked reservations on these dates, Airbnb will cancel and reimburse the guest. However, hosts that have confirmed bookings will receive full payment.
In addition to the rigid restrictions, Airbnb will be implementing technology that will curtail guests that try to book last-minute, who live locally and do not have a positive history on the platform.
Airbnb also asserted, "Also as the weekend approaches, we plan to remind guests making successful reservations to take place between October 28 and November 1 that parties are not allowed in listings. They will also be required to attest that they understand that they may be subject to removal from Airbnb or legal action if they violate Airbnb’s rules on parties."
Airbnb will be beefing up their neighborhood support line to take calls throughout the weekend to respond to any issues from hosts and neighbors.
With pandemic numbers on the rise and the recent rise in civil unrest, Airbnb strives to protect hosts, guests, and neighborhoods from unnecessary problems and keep everyone safe.
Airbnb Employess and Covid 19
According to the Airbnb newsroom, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, and Airbnb decided to close down offices to protect the health and well-being of their employees. Now, Airbnb has agreed to give the option to their employees to work remotely through August 2021.
Airbnb states, "Employee safety remains our focus, and while we don’t know when the pandemic will end, we want to provide our employees with flexibility and choice to make decisions about the following year. We are offering this remote working extension to allow employees to plan further ahead and make the choices they need around school calendars, being closer to family, caring for vulnerable family members, and other personal decisions. We are fortunate that our employees can perform their jobs from home, and we are supporting them as they do so. "
In addition, Airbnb reports that employees can temporarily relocate to states and countries where they are set up to support them.
A $300 stipend for home office equipment, with an additional $200 to cover ergonomic equipment, will be given to help cover the cost of these necessary items.
Airbnb also announced that their employees who need flexibility due to inability to work due to COVID-19 specific reasons (such as caring for a family member due to illness or closure of a care facility) could coordinate with their manager on a flexible work arrangement.
They continue to offer employees a quarterly $500 credit to use on Airbnb, which can book accommodations for temporary relocations.
Workers and companies are getting into the groove of working from home. In a survey conducted by the New York Times, Airbnb added that one in three employees said they would move to a new city or state if remote working continued.
Remote workers opt for extended stays in idyllic locations to break out from the monotony of being sequestered at home. Since the government has eased up on restrictions, more workers take advantage of a modified version of the travelpreneur. Some are making the most of this work-from-home situation, whether it's a few days at the coast or a beachfront villa. Airbnb is undoubtedly encouraging their workforce to do just that.
What's Up With Your Money?
What's up with YOUR money?
Me? I'm feeling pretty good about mine!
I've been handling money in some form or fashion since I was young. So, I know a handful of things about generating cash and spending, although I don't recommend the latter during this pandemic.
Why? I will tell you.
Firstly, it seems like everybody is out and about spending money on frivolous and unnecessary
items that will not benefit you in the future.
With the stimulus check giving folks $1,200 or $2,400 per couple and $500 for each eligible
child, people are buying things like above-ground pools, fancy blenders, and summer outfits for
the whole family. While shopping is fun and a great distraction from boredom–it will not help you
financially.
The world is in an uncertain place currently. With businesses opening back up and then closing
back down–we are in a constant state of upheaval. Nothing is set in stone or written in blood.
What does that mean for you?
In my opinion, no matter what your financial situation is, now is not the time to be loosey-goosey with your money. It's a time for saving, storing away, and building up your assets, cash, food storage, etc, especially if you are low-income.
Why do I say that?
It's been my experience that people with lower income tend to spend more money when extra cash comes flooding in. I believe this is because they are used to going without or struggling to make ends meet. I'm not suggesting that all lower-income people are like this, but quite a few are.
Before you purchase anything, ask yourself a few mandatory questions:
1. In one week, will I still feel good about this purchase?
2. Is this item returnable?
3. Is this item going to save me money?
4. Will I be able to sell this item and make back more than 50% of what I paid?
5. Can I live without it?
If you've answered yes to the questions above (except for number 5), then maybe it's a good purchase.
I usually stick to the golden rule of "If I've lived this long without it, I can probably live a little longer without it. You would be surprised at how much money I save.
Now that I've saved up my money, what am I going to do with it?
In an article by Business Insider, they suggest the following:
What to do with your savings:
1. Pay down high-interest debt, such as credit cards
2. Top up your emergency fund to a comfortable amount.
3. Max out your tax-advantaged accounts, like a 401(k), IRA, or 529.
4. Invest in a non-retirement brokerage account to further your savings.
One way to get good ideas on how to live frugally and resourcefully is to model some of the top millionaires and billionaires in our country.
Sam Walton drove an old pickup truck and wore blue jeans.
Warren Buffett drives an older car and eats out at inexpensive restaurants.
Mark Zuckerberg shops at Costco and eats at McDonald's. He wears regular
t-shirts and jeans.
The list includes billionaires and millionaires that cut their hair, bag their lunch, wash dishes by hand, etc.
Their frugality allows them to keep their money. Many use that money to benefit others. What's the sense of having money if you can't help people!
Whatever you decide to do with your money, I hope you consider the squirrel. In the fall, they collect nuts and store them for the winter. My suggestion is that you set aside your nuts for the future. 20/20 has proven that you never know what will happen. Be smart with your money and save!
Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.
– Warren Buffett
He who buys what he does not need steals from himself. – Swedish Proverb