Monday Morning MOJO

Monday Morning MOJO - 6/2/2008

2008-06-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

I have finally found it…the magic formula for adding years and perhaps decades to our lives...the magic formula which will increase our quality of life forever. Are you interested in knowing what it is?

With just these few small changes and spending 1 hour a day doing it, you will significantly increase your quality or life. Will you do it?
With just these few small changes and spending 1 hour a day doing it, you will extend your life by years…perhaps decades. Will you do it?
With just these few small changes and spending just 60 minutes a day doing it, you will get to spend years or perhaps decades more with those you love…your spouse, your kids, your grandkids. Will you do it?
With just these few small changes and spending just 60 minutes a day doing it, you will be the example to your kids, grandchildren and all of those you love. By your example, you will positively impact the way they live their lives and help them to live better and years longer. Will you do it?

I don’t need to tell you because we all know what the magic formula is, but as simple as it is, most won’t do it. Most people won’t make some small changes and spend just 60 minutes a day to save their life and the lives of those they love. So, if we won’t make some small changes to save our life and the lives of those we love, imagine how hard it is to make some small changes to get the other things we want in life.

Like our health, in most cases it is not that what we need to do to get what we want and increase our quality of life is this radical change, but it is usually just slightly different than what we are doing today. Unfortunately, change is like the plague and most people will avoid it at all cost…no matter how small Also, changing to make things better does tend to take a bit of effort, while staying the same or slipping back doesn’t….at least that is what we think. The reality of it is staying the same or slipping back does take effort…a lot more effort. It just does not take immediate effort. It will get forced on you in the future. I guess God just wound us that way…the good things in life are a choice and bad things are a circumstance of not making a choice. I guess the fear of losing what we have or being disappointed if we fail is a stronger motivator than the joy of winning and getting what we want in life. So, most people live life by the status quo. What most people don’t get until it is too late is that you can’t stand still in life. Either you are moving ahead…changing and getting better every day, or you are slipping back, but we are never staying the same.

Imagine if we would just practice what we preach to your kids, how amazing our lives would be. Could you imagine telling your kids…

”Just stay the same…don’t go for it and try to improve”
“Don’t take any chances or you might get disappointed…play it safe and just go with the flow”
“Remember those that play it safe and never change always get ahead in life”
“Eat whatever you want an don’t exercise…no big deal”
“I know you don’t want to do your homework…don’t worry about it”
“Watch as much TV and play all of the computer games you want…reading, playing outside and spending time with your friends a family is over rated”

It is just hard and in most cases almost impossible to make those small changes, but you can do it. Just don’t put it off until tomorrow, start today.

Oh yeah…if you don’t know what the few small changes and 1 hour a day are, it is exercising 1 hour a day, eating healthy and start taking our own advise…the advise we give our kids. Check this out…if you exercised just 1 hour a day while listening to an audio book on your iPod about personal or professional growth and development, you would burn 182,500+/- calories and listen to 50+/- books on personal and/or professional growth and development every year. Think you would look different…think your life would be better in a year if you did this?

Make it a great week and go for it!!!!! We only have one life…there are no second chances to try it again.

"I outwork them and outthink them...so I intimidate them and beat them" Tiger Woods

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

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Monday Morning MOJO - Memorial Day

2008-05-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

"Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11 <http://www.usmemorialday.org/order11.html> , and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. And so here we are gathered today, some 138 years later to pay our respects, to honor, and to remember those who died defending us.

Commander Kelly Strong, USCG (Ret.) perhaps said it best in his poem "No, Freedom Isn't Free":

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze.

A young Marine saluted it,

And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud,

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many died at sea?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant "Amen,"

When a flag had draped a coffin

Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No, freedom isn't free."

Would those who’ve died so we could live say it was all worthwhile if they where to be with you today…to see how you are living your life…to see how you are making a difference? They died so we could live…they left their families behind…they where only kids. Don’t let them down…make them proud of what you do and the difference you are making…make the most of it…they gave their lives so we could!!!!

So, when things aren’t going your way and the going gets tough, close your eyes and think of them…ask yourself, what advice would they give me? Would they tell you to give up…hit the buzzer and stay in bed a little longer…make excuses? I don’t think so….what do you think? I’m sure they would gladly trade places with you!!!!

Make it a GREAT life…they gave theirs so we could!!!

"I outwork them and outthink them...so I intimidate them and beat them" Tiger Woods

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

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Monday Morning MOJO 5/19/2008

2008-05-19T04:05:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Charles Plumb was a US Navy jet pilot in Vietnam... After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience!

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!" Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he had looked like in a Navy uniform: a white hat; a bib in the back; and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor." Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day. He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory -- he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute. He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges that life gives us, we miss what is really important. We may fail to say hello, please, or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason. As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachutes.

Make it a great week!!!!!!

"I outwork them and outthink them...so I intimidate them and beat them" Tiger Woods

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

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Monday Morning MOJO - 5/12/2008

2008-05-12T03:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

You ever notice that people who are negative, down and have low energy tend see the negative in everything no matter what…they see the glass half empty? While those who are positive, upbeat and fired up about life see the positive in almost everything…they see the glass half full? If you had to take a guess, which group do you think is right…the positive ones or the negative ones? The answer is both.

They are both right, because you get what you focus on and you attract people into your life who are like you. So the good news is, if you are positive, upbeat and fired up…you attract positive, upbeat and fired up people into your life….and the more people you attract into your life like that the better your life gets…it gets better exponentially. The downside is, if you are negative, down and have low energy, you attract negative, down and low energy people into your life…and the more people like that you attract into your life, the worse your life gets… it gets worse exponentially.

For a minute, just think about some of the people you know. Not necessarily those who are your best friends, but just acquaintances. What are the common characteristics of the positive ones and what are the common characteristics of the negative ones? What energy do they give off…do they smile or frown…do they laugh or do they yell…do they fire you up when you see them or suck the energy from you…do they complement or do they criticize… You ever notice that we don’t see the positive ones and the negative ones spending much time together, except when absolutely necessary? Why is that? Because the positive ones naturally spend time with optimistic people and find ways to improve in all the areas of their life, while the negative ones seem to always spend time with the basket cases and seem to always be looking for ways to sabatoge all the areas of their life…not intentionally, but subconsciously. The positive ones tend to do things which are good for their physical, mental and spiritual body, while the negative tend to do negative things which are bad for their physical, mental, and spiritual body.

So, how do we get out of the funk and into the fired up? One of the most important things we need to do is stop spending time with other people in a funk and start spending time with people who are fired up…or if you are fired up, find other fired up people to spend time with…or better yet, find people more fired up than you to spend time with. Both groups are like magnets and either we are going to get sucked down into a hole with the “my life sucks” group, or we are going get pulled up into the clouds with the “my life is on fire and awesome” group. You can’t beat it, because it is like any fight. No matter how tough you are, if you are out numbered you are going to lose. If you are trying to be positive but hang out with negative people, you are going to get your ass kicked. The good new is if your negative, but hang out with positive people, you are also going to get your ass kicked.

Remember, everything in life is contagious…hang with people who have the fired up plague and catch it!!!!!

Make it a GREAT week!!!!

"I outwork them and outthink them...so I intimidate them and beat them" Tiger Woods

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

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Monday Morning MOJO - 5/5/2008

2008-05-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

An epidemic is occurring all around us and there is a good chance it has already found its way into some of our lives. It begins slowly at first, but it grows and in time it can take over our entire life…and if we don’t act now, it may happen to you. It’s easy to fall in the trap. Well intentioned people of all ages don’t mean for it to happen, but that doesn’t matter. It takes much more than good intentions to steer clear of this problem. If all it took was good intentions, the world would be packed with people living their dreams and accomplishing their goals. But that’s not how it works and this trap is one of the most common reasons why it has happened to often in the past and will continue to happen in the future. What exactly are we dealing with here? What is so deadly to the goals and hopes we have stored away in our head? Routine!!! More specifically, a BAD routine

What am I talking about you ask?

The routines I'm referring to are much deeper than a morning process of a shower and shave. I'm talking about turning off our brains and letting autopilot kick in. Doing the same things we did the day before with no plans to change the pattern any time soon. You know the drill - wake up, shower, work, home and sleep. This is no way to live, and you know that. But it's still hard to break free once the bad routine has gotten hold of us. All hope is not lost. If we want to turn off the autopilot and start taking control of our lives it takes only one moment to make the decision. And then everything changes. You've heard it a thousands times, and it's a good thing, because it's true. If you keep doing what you have always done in the past you will keep getting the exact same thing in the future.

People experience a partial insanity when it comes to routine. Perfectly logical creatures believe that doing the same thing again and again will get different results. That's crazy! If we want to lose weight but continue with the same eating habits, we won't lose weight. If we want to make more money but keep doing the same things day in day out, it’s not going to happen.

We have goals, but if we are stuck in a bad routine we won't accomplish them. Be honest with yourself about this one. It's the only way we'll realize the need for a change before we can enjoy improvement. Create a new and improved routine which is in alignment with what you want in life.

What does it take? It takes a decision. A choice of what we really want to do with our life and the actions to make it happen. If we know where we are going, how to get there and have a good new and improved routine to make it happen, we will not be disappointed in the end.

Check out the results of this amazing experiment:

A very unusual experiment was conducted by John Fabre, the French naturalist, consisting of processionary caterpillars, a type of caterpillar that blindly follows the one in front of it. This explains the name processionary caterpillar. The experiment consisted of several of these caterpillars, a flowerpot filled to the rim with dirt, and pine needles. The caterpillars formed a complete circle around the rim of the flowerpot, with the first one touching the back of the last one. The pine needles, the food of the processionary caterpillar, were placed in the center of the circle. The caterpillars began their procession around the flowerpot, one following the other in a circle. This went on hour after hour, day after day, for an entire week. In the end, every one of the caterpillars dropped dead of starvation. The one thing that could have saved them was only inches away, but without purposeful thought or action, the caterpillars continued with a habitual routine that eventually proved too much to endure.

This is happening to people we know, maybe even you, although not to this degree. Get stuck doing the same old thing every single day and your goals, sitting only inches away, are as good as gone…Plain and simple. You might think it's a little too simple, but falling into a bad routine can destroy your life. Good friends and family start off with bright hopes for the future, but their bad routine begins to take their place. “No time, no time,” is a common excuse. After seventy+/- years of having no time to do the things you have always wanted to do, you'll end up with nothing but a good excuse in the end.

This is your life we are talking about here. It's worth taking the time to break the pattern of habit and creating the changes you wish to make. There is little more that is as important as the life you create and the good you leave behind. Recognize if you are in a bad routine, break free and get into a good routine. Sometimes it's a matter of what we all seek in life - confidence. Permanent change requires courage and a strong belief in your ability to succeed, something that we all doubt from time to time.

Break your old routine, get a new and improved routine and then have a GREAT week and a GREAT life!!!!

All the Best,

"I outwork them and outthink them...so I intimidate them and beat them" Tiger Woods

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

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Monday Mornign MOJO 4/28/2008

2008-04-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Two Great Stories - BOTH TRUE - and worth reading! Please read all the way to the end to get the REAL message!

STORY NUMBER ONE
Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but also, Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:
”The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.

Now is the only time you own.
Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time.
For the clock may soon be still".

STORY NUMBER TWO
World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.

As he was returning to the mother ship he saw something that turned his blood cold: a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now-broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly.

Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft.

This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His hometown would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.

Make it a GREAT week and remember it’s never too late to make some changes for the better.

All the best,

"Time = Life. Therefore waste your time and waste your life...or master your time and master your life" Allen Lakein

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: Intero Story

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Monday Morning MOJO 4/21/2008

2008-04-21T04:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

If you where the President and CEO of your own company, would YOU pay YOU the kind of money YOU want to make for what YOU did last week? Would YOU pay YOU what YOU want to make for what YOU are going to do this week?

Everyone wants more…everyone wants a better life…everyone wants to get it faster. So, what is the difference between those who get what they want…better…faster versus those who don’t? They are in alignment. Their actions each and every day are in alignment with what they want. And those who don’t get what they want, better, faster are typically all talk…they are not in alignment. They say one thing, but do something completely different.

They want to make a lot of money, but work and act like someone who makes minimum wage.
They want to be fit and healthy, but don’t exercise and eat healthy. Not only do they not exercise much, but they don’t exercise at all…and not only do they not eat healthy, but they eat like crap. Fast food…grease…fat…no fruits and vegetables…smoke…drink… Talk about a train wreck waiting to happen.
They want to have a great relationship with their kids, but don’t ever spend quality time with them. When they are with them they are on the cell phone, computer, watching T.V., etc. Not talking and playing with them…not listening…not going for a bike ride. They tell them “we will do it tomorrow…next week…next month…next year”. Then, you wake up one day and they are gone…out of the house and…
They want to have a great relationship with their spouse, but never spend quality time with him or her. Sure they talk about their bills, the “stuff” they need to do, watch TV in the same room, etc. But they never actually go on a date and enjoy each other like they once did before the got married…before they had kids. Then before you know it, you don’t know each other anymore and…

It all starts at a very early age. If we wanted to get A’s in school and not C’s, we had to do the types of things people who get A’s do. Study our ass off…not wait until the last minute…be discipline and accountable in our study habits….we had to attend all of your classes and be fully engaged. If we wanted to start on the football team, drill team, chess team…we needed to do and act like a starter. Well, it does not stop once we graduate high school or college…if we want X, we need to start acting and doing the kinds of things someone who gets X does.

Do you want to know the trick to getting what you want…better…faster. Build a map, then write out detailed right/left directions on how to get where you want to go and then FOLLOW YOUR DIRECTIONS….that map is your plan and the directions is your schedule. Figure out what it is you need to do (specifically) to get what you want…better…faster. This is your map. Then take that list of stuff and plug it all into your schedule. Don’t just do it for a week or a month, but plug that “stuff” in your schedule for an entire year right up front. Then when you wake up, open your schedule and DO EXACTLY what it says…follow the directions. Don’t try a shortcut…remember you spent the time to figure out the detailed directions. The last thing you want to do is get lost trying to take a short cut. If you make your plan, write out directions, and then follow them NO MATTER WHAT…it will be like magic. Before you know it you will start getting what you want…better…faster.

So, to get more of what you want…better…faster. Start acting and doing the things of people who are getting what you want…better…faster.

Make it a GREAT week!!!

"Time = Life. Therefore waste your time and waste your life...or master your time and master your life" Allen Lakein

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: Intero Story

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Monday Morning MOJO - 4/14/08

2008-04-14T04:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Do you want to discover the keys to being a Champion? What if the best of the best in their field would share with you what it takes to be a SUPERSTAR…A CHAMPION? Would you be interested in hearing their advice? Here is a short clip I taped a few years ago. It was part of a Super Bowl pregame show. Learn from Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan, Lance Armstrong, Derek Jeter and Marion Jones (oops) what it takes to have the Mindset of a Champion.

Check out this link to learn what it takes to have the Mindset of a Champion.

Let’s all have the mindset of a champion. Champions make the impossible chip shot in the biggest tournaments, nail the perfect 10, sink the winning shot…CHAMPIONS are each and every one of you…if you believe it!!

Have the Mindset of a Champion and make it a GREAT week!!!!!

"Time = Life. Therefore waste your time and waste your life...or master your time and master your life" Allen Lakein

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: Intero Story

Intero Foundation Video: Intero Foundation

Intero Resorts Video: Intero Resorts

Intero Boot Camp Video: Boot Camp

Intero Locations: Intero Offices

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Monday Morning MOJO 4/7/08

2008-04-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

“What should I do?”…”what do you think?”…”let me give that some thought?”…”I will get back to you on that”…”lets have a meeting so we can get everyone to agree”…blah blah blah So nothing ever happens.

Being decisive is one of the biggest keys to success…while procrastinating is one of the biggest success killers. However, being decisive is something we have to train ourselves to do because it is not natural for most people while procrastination comes naturally. Unfortunately, most of us are conditioned not to be decisive because we don’t want offend anyone, we are afraid of making mistakes or we just don’t want to take risks. It’s so much easier to just not make a decision…go along to get along. I see people everyday that just sit there and think, procrastinate, and ponder what to do but never actually do anything. Unfortunately, they never get any closer to the things they want. The reality of it is not making a decision gets you farther away from what you want because in life if you are not changing and improving everyday, you are slipping back. Remember what JFK said “Change is the law of life...and those who look only to the past or the present...are certain to miss the future."

What all of us need to do is figure out our goals and then write down specifically what we need to do to accomplish them. Put those specifics into our schedule, and then make a commitment to JUST DO IT!!!!! No more waffling…no more waiting…no more putting off what you need to do to get what you want. At the beginning each day, review your goals and specifically what you need to do, then simply just do it. Then at the end of each day, review your goals and specifically what you need to do and compare that to what you did today. Is it in alignment? If not, why? Once your day is over, recommit yourself and then start again the next day. Do this day in and day out…before you know it your goals will become a reality. Just don’t give up…remember it is the accumulation effect of doing it over and over again that will get you what you want. It will typically come out of no where just about the time you are ready to give up and throw in the towel. Don’t!!!! Push through the pain and the doubt at all cost…success is just on the other side. It requires breakdowns for breakthroughs. Just remember that is part of the process of getting better.

Ask for forgiveness…don’t ask for permission. Make it a great week!!!!

"Time = Life. Therefore waste your time and waste your life...or master your time and master your life" Allen Lakein

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO Blog: www.MondayMorningMojo.BlogSpot.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KF6_4bI5Lwk

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Boot Camp Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bVJwzZFunaQ

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 3/31/08

2008-03-31T04:50:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

“He is so lucky…everything always seems to go his way”. “We call her the golden girl…everything she touches turns to gold”. “If I only had a little of their luck, my life would sure be a lot better”. “They have such a great relationship…they are soul mates…they are so lucky”. That is how it appears from the outside looking in doesn’t it? It’s luck? But more times than not, it’s what I call “created luck”. What is “created luck” you ask? It is luck which comes to those who work extremely hard when you aren’t looking. They are the ones working at it… training…preparing…fine tuning their skills behind the scenes. All of their hard work and commitment helps improve their odds of being lucky. It’s simple…if you want to be lucky you have to work hard at it when no one is looking…fine tune your skills, and prepare yourself to take advantage of those opportunities to be lucky

Remember these 2 shots on the 16^th hole at Augusta in the final round nearly 2 decades apart…Jack Nicklaus in the final round of his 1986 Masters victory…and Tiger Woods in the final round of his 2005 Masters victory? I would say this is a great example of “created luck”. I wonder how hard both Jack and Tiger work on their game. I wonder how discipline they are…what do you think? Come on…its just luck...right?

Jack Nicklaus: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jle1G5l-qsU

Tiger Woods: http://youtube.com/watch?v=1nJfhUGM4Yc

Make it a GREAT week…get out there and CREATE SOME LUCK!!!!!

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Buddha

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KF6_4bI5Lwk

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 3/24/08

2008-03-24T04:38:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

You ever notice when some people try and make a change in their business…their health…their relationships…in their life, they think the way to make it happen is just simply spending more time working on “it”. Not just a little more, but piling it on. They actually think running around like a chicken with your head cut off is actually going to accomplish something. Yeah right!!!!! I’m not going to say we may not need to work harder and be more discipline, but I think it’s more about working on our priorities and our efficiency as opposed to working on the volume and amount of time.

Don’t do more…do different. Well, maybe some of us need to do more. I do see a lot of people who “show up” but are not engaged in what they are doing. You know what I am talking about…the ones who stand around the water cooler all day criticizing everyone like they are the authority instead of looking in the mirror. They show up in body, but not in mind and action. It’s like their whole life is spent on the practice range but they never tee it up on the first tee. You do have to GO FOR “IT” or “IT” won’t happen. Don’t mistake showing up for work, for working…a lot of people show up, but don’t do anything towards accomplishing their goals. This is a great question to consider: Using work for an example…if you owned your company, would you pay yourself what you want to make for what you do everyday? Be honest.

If what you’re doing now is not getting you what you want, doing more of what you are currently doing is still not going to get you what you want. It’s just going to make you more frustrated. You have to do different…or in some cases you just have to do something. It’s about simplifying, being consistent and actually doing it…not just thinking about it and planning on how to do it, but actually DOING IT. Create rituals and systems which are duplicatable for the long haul. Because it is the accumulation effect of the small things over a long period of time which are going to make the biggest impact and are going to be something you will be able to maintain for a long period of time.

Here are 2 great books I would recommend reading if you are struggling to have that breakthrough:

http://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Secret-Successful-Life/dp/0967285550/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206328686&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Workweek-Escape-Live-Anywhere/dp/0307353133/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206328742&sr=1-1

Keep it Simple and make it a GREAT week!!!!

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Buddha

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KF6_4bI5Lwk

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 3/17/08

2008-03-17T04:20:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

My life is in a rut!!!!

“I’m stuck in a rut…I’m just not happy with where I am in my life.”

We can feel this way about our health, our relationships, our job…we can feel like we are stuck in a rut, good or bad, about anything in life. So, how do we get out of the bad ruts? The bad new is, it takes a lot of work to get out of it. The good news is, when we are in a good rut it’s also hard to get out of it. The key is to get stuck in as many good ruts as possible. I call them the ruts of life. Look at all the equities of your life…Health, Family, Spirituality, Business, Financially, etc. What kind of a ruts are you stuck in…good or bad? We are either happy or you are sad…inspired or not inspired…purpose driven or not purpose driven…healthy or unhealthy…motivated or not motivated…have good relationships or bad relationships. I think anyone who tells us “its okay”…”I’m fine” is in a bad rut….they are just in denial. They just don’t know it and/or don’t want to admit it.

In life we can’t live between the ruts…its just too hard…its like trying to balance on a tight rope for our entire life…eventually we will get tired and we will fall into one or the other.…we can’t be indecisive. So, we have to accept the fact we are going to get stuck in one of the two ruts...either good ones or bad ones. In the book The Purpose Driven Life it say’s “Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, but either way they will define you.”

Let’s make the commitment today to scrape and claw our way out of the bad ruts…once we are out, just roll over and fall into the good rut. There will be short term pain with getting out, but it will pass and then you will experience the long term gain of living life in the good ruts.

Get stuck in the good ruts and make it a GREAT week!!!!

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Buddha

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 408.863.3000
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KF6_4bI5Lwk

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 3/10/08

2008-03-10T04:54:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Ok, no complaining this week…it’s a GREAT life!!!!!! We Really Don't Have Anything To Complain About!!!!! And we think we have it tough…can you only imagine?!?!?!?!

You stay up for 16 hours

He stays up for days on end.

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.

You complain of a 'headache', and call in sick..
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies ly ing around him.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mort ars and helicopters all night long.

Enough said…Make it a GREAT week!!!!!

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Buddha

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 3/3/08

2008-03-03T04:30:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

“They get up early everyday…actually the middle of the night by my standards…to exercise their mind, body and soul. Then they work all day with this passion…this drive, discipline and attitude which is absolutely off the charts. I just can’t figure it out….how do they stay motivated and always seem to be having fun. How do they stay so discipline…how do they keep such a positive attitude and a smile on their face when they are working so hard and in what always seem to be such stressful situations. It seems like it would be exhausting to be such a Radical Fanatical. Their motivation is just amazing. Its amazing how successful they are…I wish I was as motivated as them and then I could have what they’ve got.”

Heads up…it’s not motivation that drives them…ITS INSPIRATION.

When we are in inspired action and not motivated action, it is effortless. Trying to be motivated all of the time is exhausting and not maintainable. If we’re not inspired, all the motivation in the world will not get us to be like those fired up Radical Fanaticals…we will never be able to maintain it. You have to be inspired to do what most people aren’t willing to do. Its one thing to be motivated to do something for a day, week, month or even a year, but it is something completely different to be inspired to do something for a life time. You have to be inspired about your life, your family, your job, your health…you have to be INSPIRED about you!!!!!!

So, the million dollar question is…How do I get that inspired? We have to figure out our purpose in life. We have to figure out why in the world are we here on this earth…it’s not an accident. Unfortunately most people just go through the motions…the grind of life and never find their purpose.

Think about these people…think they have/had a purpose?

· Mother Teresa

· Martin Luther King

· Bill and Melinda Gates (The Gates Foundation) – it’s not about Microsoft

· The Pope

· The Dalai Lama

· Ghandi

· Tiger Woods (The Tiger Woods Foundation) – its not about golf

· Deepak Chopra

· Lance Armstrong (The LiveStrong Foundation) – it’s not about the Tour de France

· The President of the United States (whether you like them our not)

So, find your purpose.

To find your purpose I recommend reading The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth am I here for? I am about ½ way through it right now…it’s a GREAT book!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Driven-Life-What-Earth/dp/0310276993/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204387597&sr=8-1

Make it a Purpose Driven day, week, month, year. Make it a purpose driven…inspiring LIFE!!!!

Find your purpose and get Inspired!!!!!!

"To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear." Buddha

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 2/25/08

2008-02-25T04:22:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

It’s the key of success or the handcuffs of defeat. The question is, do you have the key or are you in the cuffs?

“My life is 30 minutes late…not my watch, but my life!!!!!” You know who I am talking about. You end up telling them everything starts 30 minutes earlier than it actually does, in hopes they may be on time, but their still late!!!!! And they wonder why their life always seems to be totally out of control…why they are always stressed out. And the excuses are always the same…I just have to much on my plate…I just can’t get it all done…I just couldn’t get out of the meeting…I just couldn’t get them off the phone…I just…I just…I just… They are always blaming someone or something for them not taking control…for their poor time management. The other brutal thing about not having good time management is you never have time to do those things you want to do…those things important to you. You are always saying I will do it tomorrow, because all of your time is spinning out of control just trying to keep up. Unfortunately for those, the tomorrow they are waiting for never comes.

The single most valuable thing in a person’s life is time. And when we keep people waiting and/or don’t show up when we say we are going to show up, we are telling those we care about, those we are trying to do business with and those we want to gain respect from, we don’t care about their most valuable asset, because ours is more important. It’s a success killer…it’s a happiness killer…it’s a relationship killer…it’s a life killer!!!!!

Here is the reality of it. If we could stop time for 24 hours, except for them so they could catch up, and then started the clock ticking again, they would still be late. It’s not a time issue it’s a planning issue…lets face it, it’s a personal issue…its just pain and simply a bad habit. Heck, they are going to be late to their own funeral when the time comes.

If you are one of those we are talking about here, all hope is not lost. Here is a great thing to try and institute in your life and business today. Make a commitment to show up 5 to 10 minutes early to everything you do. I have every clock in my life set 10 minute early…from the clock next to my bed, to my watch, to the clock in my car…everything I can change to 10 minutes early I do. I am not going to say I am never late, because that would be a lie. But I can tell you, those who know me will say I am very punctual and respectful of everyone’s time…including my own. Certainly being late is the exception for me, not the rule

You can never change a first impression…and our first impression is when we show up…early, on time or late. What is your first impression?

Make it a great week!!!!

"Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever." Lance Armstrong

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 2/18/08

2008-02-18T04:23:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

MONEY…WORK…HEALTH…YOUR WEIGHT…LIFE – everything expands to meet the resources available. Have you ever noticed how that works?

It’s the day before you go on vacation. How is it you can get all that stuff done you haven’t been able to get done for months, the day before you leave on vacation? Because we have a deadline.
It’s April 15^th and you get your taxes done just in time. How is it we can get our taxes done and dropped off at the Post Office the evening of April 15^th, but could never seem to find the time the three and a half months before. Because we have a deadline.
You ever notice when you go on a diet and lose all that weight you can’t seem to keep it off. Next time try burning all of your old clothes so you can’t expand back into them. Because if you have clothes that will fit when you put back on the weight, guess what? You will. Remove the option…or at least make it expensive if you do.
Have you ever noticed that no matter how much money you make it never seems to be enough? It’s because your expenses are expanding to meet your income. Watch out for this one…it is a killer!!!
Why is it at the end of a football game with only 2 minutes left a team can score, but they had not been able to score the entire game before the final 2 minutes? The deadline is 2 minutes away and either they win or lose…they have no options.

When we have deadlines we are forced into action…no more procrastination…you just do it because you have to. Somehow we need to figure out a way to create our own self imposed deadlines…get ahead in the game early and not wait until the last 2 minutes.

Isn’t it funny, that no matter where we are in life, we always feel like we don’t have enough time? In high school…in college…starting our career…after we get married…after we have kids. Not only can we seem to get more and more done at each stage in life, but when we reflect back, we wonder what we did with all that free time we had in the previous stage of our life. It’s just because the amount of time it takes to do things will expand or reduce to meet the amount of time you give it.

Create mini deadlines on everything and then let someone you know, who will hold you to it, about the deadline. It is called accountability…that other word we all hate…for most it is almost like the word death. But the reality of it is, if you want to have freedom and success you need to have accountability and discipline. Sorry about that.

Check out this video…get in the time machine with Doctor Evil and get a little of Austin Powers MOJO: http://youtube.com/watch?v=a6Acigj8isc

Make it a GREAT week.

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 2/11/08

2008-02-11T04:40:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Yesterday was officially the final game of the NFL Season with the playing the Pro Bowl in Hawaii. With that I thought this speech was appropriate. It is one of the best “football speech’s”, but it really is a life speech, by Al Pacino in the movie Any Given Sunday…its got some profanity, so I apologize in advance. Grab your cup of coffee, check it out and think about it…life is a game of inches: http://youtube.com/watch?v=WO4tIrjBDkk&feature=related

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 2/4/08

2008-02-04T04:50:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Poor planning on YOUR part does NOT constitute an emergency on mine. I love that quote!!!!

We start our day with the best of intentions to get all those important things done on our list…doing all of those things which are going to get us closer to accomplishing our goals and dreams. Then, before we know it the day is over and nothing on that list got done, but we are exhausted from a busy day…a busy day of doing the urgent, not the important. How did that happen?

Because we let others dictate how our day will go instead of taking control. We let other peoples urgent issues caused as a result of their poor time management…poor planning…their drama…and their procrastination, take priority and control over ours. Remember…poor planning on THEIR part does NOT constitute an emergency on your part.

Most of us are doing the urgent and that is why we never seem to get closer to our goals and what we want to accomplish. The key is being disciplined enough to brush off the urgent and do the important. It is probably one of the biggest keys to success.

So, how can we do that when all of our time is spent just dealing with the crap and people coming at us all day…their urgent stuff, you ask? Learn to say NO!!!!! It will be tough in the beginning, but after a while of saying NO and not letting yourself get dragged into other peoples drama…into their urgent and out of control life, eventually they will just stop screwing up your goals and take it to someone else…or better yet figure out how to deal with it on their own.

So…to get your important stuff done, make a conscious decision every day not to get caught up in the drama of everyone one else’s urgent life…learn to say NO!!!!

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 1/28/08

2008-01-28T04:59:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Disconnected…

Your gut, heart and soul say one thing…your voice, body and mind say something different. You say…”life is great”…”I’m happy”…”I’m healthy”…”I love my life”…”I am dependable”…”I’m disciplined”…”you can count on me”, but down deep inside you know its BS…your not connected…your not in alignment. When your voice, mind, body, soul, heart and gut are not in alignment is when life sucks and has drag…and like an airplane that has too much drag, if you don’t watch it you will crash!!!!! Drag creates anxiety and stress…it creates a feeling of being disconnected…of not being in alignment…a feeling of just getting through life, not taking from it. Trust me, I know how it feels…I think in life no matter how much we try to live our life connected…in alignment and balance, we all have times when we struggle with this…when we are not honest with ourselves. Unfortunately, I think most are disconnected.

I was one of those who was mostly disconnected until about 10 years ago, until enough was enough and I just got fed up. Quite frankly, because of changing from someone disconnected and not honest with myself for so long to someone who I think is pretty honest with himself, and mostly connected today is one of the main motivators for me to write Monday Morning MOJO. I know the sense of relief and freedom that comes with being honest with myself…with being in alignment. If you are ready to make a radical breakthrough in your life and really “have a great life”…”be happy”…”be healthy”…and “just plain love your life”, you need be honest with yourself about who you are today, who you want to be, and the discipline, accountability and changes you are going to need to make to get there. When you make the commitment to do this, unlike New Years resolutions which never last, if you stick with it you will get connected. It won’t happen over night and quite frankly I think it is something we all have to work at for the rest of our lives. In the beginning, it will take months or perhaps years before you feel it…before you start to feel your soul, voice, body, mind…and your gut connected. Once you do, you will notice everything in your life start to get better. Your health, your relationships, you business, your life…

One of the books which had a huge impact on me years ago was The Power of Full Engagement written by Jim Loehr. Another one of his books which we all should be checking out is “The Power of Story”. What stories are we telling ourselves about ourselves? Check out this short clip then order the book: http://youtube.com/watch?v=LCxlORhwg80.

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!!

Happy New Year,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Intero Story Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFK3cLS7U1g

Intero Foundation Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=o6q8B-MZSHw

Intero Resorts Video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=81xC-sE65Ho

Intero Locations: http://www.interoagent.com/accessible/viewDocument.aspx?documentID=905

Monday Morning MOJO 1/21/08

2008-01-21T04:25:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Change or Die?!?!

What if a well-informed, trusted authority figure said you had to make difficult and enduring changes in the way you think and act? If you didn't, you would die soon…a lot sooner than it had to. Could you change when change really mattered?

Yes, you say?

Try again…you wouldn't change.

Don't believe it…you want the odds? Here are the odds: 9 to 1. That's 9 to 1 against you.

Do you realize a SMALL % of the population consumes the VAST majority of the health care budget for diseases that are very well known and by in large behavioral? That is, we are sick because of how we choose to live our lives, not because of any environmental or genetic factors beyond our control. They say it could be as much as 80% of our health care budget is consumed by these behavioral issues…smoking, eating, drinking, stress and lack of exercise.

Could it be the same way in other areas of our life? If other areas in our life are sick, could it be in large part due to behavioral issues that are in our control as opposed to conditions that are outside our control?

You want some more proof of the challenge we all face in change? There was a study done back in 1995 of people who went through bypass surgery…open heart surgery. Of those studied, within 2 years from surgery 90% went right back to their old unhealthy lifestyle. So, if the fear of DEATH doesn’t initiate change…where do we go from here? More importantly how do we get our stubborn brain to stop resisting change so tenaciously. Why do we fight it even when we KNOW if we don’t it will kill us?

Well, knowing that motivating people with the fear of death wasn’t the right approach because 90% went right back to where they were before, they tried a different approach. They changed their focus…have any idea to what? The joy of LIVING.

They took 300 patients and put a 100% daily effort into focusing their minds on all the daily things that make life great…and coached them on their mindset, their attitude, their daily habits, and surrounded them continually with the RIGHT influences. It was this change of focus...taking it away the fear of death and into the joy of living, that allowed 77% of the patients to sustain the lifestyle changes.

What changes do we need to make? Where is our focus…in fear or in joy?

It’s a New Year and its time to make some changes now!!!!!!!

Attached is the complete Change or Die Article…it is definitely worth taking the time to read.

Make is a GREAT week and a GREAT life!!!!!!

Happy New Year,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 1/14/08

2008-01-14T04:59:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Today’s MOJO is written by a good friend of mine and the manager of our Intero Silver Creek office, Chris Hawkins. Tomorrow he starts chemotherapy and his fight to beat stage 3 cancer. Attached is a link to the same video I sent last week in the event you did not get a chance to see it. I think’s appropriate again. LiveSTRONG!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi7sPSOTErY

By: CHRIS HAWKINS

In a couple of days I will start my first cycle of chemotherapy. I am a little nervous, dreading perhaps the idea of possibly being sick for four to six straight months. It bothers me also that I may not be able to give my all to those in my life who have given, and continue to give, their all for me. I want to wrestle with my kids and I’m not sure if I will be able to.

I had major surgery to remove a tumor in November. After my chemotherapy treatments, according to 2 different doctors, the chances of beating my cancer and surviving to live a “normal” life is somewhere between 60% and 70%, encouraging on the upside and, as you can imagine, a bit disheartening on the downside.

I remember the first two or three days after learning I had cancer in late October. It was hard to escape the notion I may not be around to grow up with my kids (4 and 2 ½ years old, plus a third due in March) and teach them how to live. I remember one tearful conversation with my wife Leah as I, barely able to speak, expressed my desire to one day walk my beautiful, four year old daughter Mia down the aisle on her wedding day. Occasionally, I would wonder, as if I wasn’t there, if my son Joe and his soon-to-be little brother would be good athletes and play on the school teams like I did. The mind is amazing.

Then it struck me. My chances for a long, relatively painless, life weren’t that much (if at all) different from anyone else’s. No one is 100% no matter who you are. Like the commercial says, “Life comes at you hard!”

Gaining this perspective hit me two ways. First, I could stop obsessing over myself because EVERYONE has challenges in their lives. It was liberating to focus on other people I care about, to help them bridge their gaps, to make them laugh.

Second, it became clear that I, all of us, ought to live life the way we want TODAY.

We live in a three bedroom home in a wonderful neighborhood. The house is not small, but by no means large. Recovering from surgery meant being at home for two straight weeks. I had never done that before. I looked around at what we had accumulated as the family grew (and continues to grow). It was piled around us. We viewed the situation as temporary. It would all go away after we made more money, remodeled the house, and/or when the kids got a little older and we could discard the “baby stuff”.

I came to the troubling realization that this was really how we live. “Someday” is not going to get here…for any of us.

In the past three weeks I emptied a big truckload of junk at the dump, dropped off two carloads of donations to the Goodwill, filled our garbage can beyond capacity every week, and helped my wife package up items she sold on E-bay and Craig’s List. I created more storage space in the kitchen. I added extra shelves in the garage cabinets and even swept out the entire garage to the point where you could practically eat off the floor. Two cars are parked comfortably in there as I write this. There is still a bit to do yet but the house is organized and uncluttered. This is how I want my home to be. This has brought me good health and energy.

In this changing market, are we so pre-occupied with our own (potentially unhealthy) business that we stopped supporting those around us? Have we tabled our ambitions to buy an investment property or accumulate wealth “until the market gets better”? How much “clutter” is in our minds, bodies, offices, homes, cars, etc.?

If there is one thing that sticks out from my experience these past three months, it’s this: The world is full of good people who care and wish to support you. My spirits are lifted daily by an amazing number of people. Evidently, I had to contract a life-threatening disease to fully recognize this.

So I will leave you with this while you are healthy: Dream big TODAY. Reach out and support each other TODAY. Have the life you want TODAY!

There is no “someday”.

Happy New Year,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 1/7/08

2008-01-07T04:59:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

It’s the 2^nd week of the New Year and now is when it starts to get hard to keep those New Years Resolutions. When I went to the gym over the weekend, I was shocked by the number of cars in the parking lot. I’m not sure why…I shouldn’t have been…it was the same thing last year. There must have been 10 times the number of people there compared to last week. There where gyms all around the world with millions more people in them last week than the week before New Years. The unfortunate thing is, it’s the same millions more people who where in the gym the first week of January last year….and the year before that…and the year before that…and the year before that.... And by February 1^st it will be back to the old regulars. So, why can’t we keep it up? Whether it is going to the gym, spending more time with our kids and/or spouse, eating healthier, losing weight, whatever it is…what can we do to keep those resolutions and make them changes for a lifetime…not just a week. It is good old discipline and accountability. If we are truly committed to having a better life, we need to tell everyone we know about our resolutions and ask them to help hold us accountable…we have to burn the boats, so to speak, and don’ t give ourselves a way back to the old us who hits the snooze bar. Because if we don’t burn the boats so that there is no going back when the going gets tough, we are going to revert back to all our old bad habits.

Now, when you are too tired to keep your commitments…to tired to keep inspired…to tired to keep being discipline and accountable, play this video and ask yourself…what would Lance say?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi7sPSOTErY

Make it a GREAT week!!!!

Happy New Year,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 12/31/07

2007-12-31T04:50:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year MOJO,

As we start a New Year today lets all make a commitment to turn up the heat at least one more degree in 2008 and see what happens. So many times in life the gap between what we have and what we want seems so far apart…but most of the time it is not nearly as far apart as we think. Click this link, watch the video and then turn up YOUR heat at least one degree to make 2008 your best year yet!!!!

http://www.walkthetalk.com/the212movie.php?refsource=vm212prairie

Here are 5 Simple Tricks to Achieving Your New Year's Resolutions...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

1. Get specific

A vague goal is as useful as no goal at all…general ideas about what you want give you nothing to work with and nowhere to go. It's only when you get specific about what you want that the path to success is revealed. Take time to narrow down your resolutions into specific ideas and turn your vague goals into crystal-clear goals.

2. Spread the word

Don't keep your goals all to yourself. The more you share your goals with others, the more life you give to those goals. It gives them the chance to grow and gain momentum. So, tell at least two other people about your goals, and be sure not to make the mistake of giving without receiving; spend just as much time listening to ideas as you did in sharing your own.

3. Buddy up

When it comes to living a better life, few things are as powerful or persuasive as a living, breathing human being. Books, tapes, etc. can help you along, but nothing can compare to one-on-one interaction. The buddy system is one of the most effective goal-achievement tools you can use. By partnering with a goal-seeker, you'll have all the support you need to achieve anything you set your mind to.

4. Burn the bridge

While preparing his next book, a famous writer listed his weight at fifty pounds lighter than reality. Not only that, but he did so knowing full well that only months after publication he would be paraded in front of thousands of his biggest fans. Why? To burn the bridge of easy escape. He knew he needed to lose the weight, but he also knew he would give up on the goal without any pressure to follow through. By promising his public a fifty-pound weight loss, he had no choice but to achieve the goal. What steps can you take today to burn the bridge of an easy escape and commit yourself to living a better life?

5. Do something - NOW

As they say, there's no better time than the present, and when it comes to living a better life, they couldn't be more right. The true power of taking one small step comes not in the small step of progress you'll make, but in the act of doing something about the things you want. As you know, getting started is often the most difficult part of the process. Millions of people dream, but few actually ever take action…and that is why it is critical that you do something today. Think of one small step you can take right now that will bring you closer to accomplishing your goal and once you have it in mind, DO IT!!!!!! Don't think about it…don't consider it…JUST DO IT NOW!!!!!!

Happy New Year,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 12/24/07

2007-12-24T04:45:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas MOJO,

I have shared this video before, but it seemed perfect to share again for Christmas…it will put a smile on your face. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

There are people who prefer to say "Yes" and there are people who prefer to say "No". Those who say "Yes" are rewarded by the adventures they have, and those who say "No" are rewarded by the safety they attain...

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 12/17/07

2007-12-17T04:48:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

This is a great one about what it takes to become a winner…to be a Masters winner:

By luck of the draw, my seatmate on a flight back to Charlotte was Zach Johnson. You may have only recently heard of him. He just won the Masters Golf Tournament.

A nice, friendly, family man, and (oh yeah) he just won the most prestigious golf tournament in the world. He beat the master (Tiger Woods) to become the master.

We began to talk "golf." And I began to take notes. When a champion begins to espouse feelings and philosophies, I become the master -- the master student.

Here's what I learned about the master golfer and his approach to the game:

He doesn't get upset at a bad shot or a bad round.

He plays consistent as a golfer and a golf strategist.

He stays in the hunt and is always there to make a run at winning.

He doesn't get nervous at the end of a round. (One of the first questions I asked Zach was whether he was nervous on the 18th at Augusta. "No," he said. "I just played to win. And played my best.")

He plays for fun. (He loves the game, the competition, the thrill of winning, and the youthful exuberance of just "being there.")

He plays to win. (Every time Zach Johnson goes out on the course, he believes he'll win the round, and win the tournament.)

"It's a job - a fun job. But it's a job." Zach smiled broadly. "It's my number four priority. Family. Faith. Family. And then fairways." Cool.

Zach graduated in 1998 from Drake University in Des Moines. YIKES -- 1998! I have underwear older than he is. How does such a young man get so high on the success ladder in so short a time?

According to the statements I collected in our-hour long conversation. He was blessed with skills, started playing young (age 10), practiced every day, played competitively starting at age 11, and has a coach -- actually several coaches and teachers -- one for each vital area of his game. Yes, one of the top golf professionals in the world has coaches and teachers. Do you?

"You have to have a system, a family of coaches, and an inner circle of people who are masters of THEIR game." Zach refers to his coaches and his family as "the invisible team." "When you see me on the golf course, I appear to be alone. But you have to understand I got there with the help of a hundred other people. From corporate sponsors and family members to coaches and investors to agents and mentors. All of them are there with me, but no one sees them as I play."

"My primary coach is a great golf teacher named Mike Bender." Zach smiled.

"What makes him great?" I wanted to know.

"He doesn't drive me nuts with angles and percentages. He tells me what to do, and I do it," Zach said in a matter-of-fact manner. "He's now one of my best friends."

Keep this in mind as you struggle to be a master: Zach Johnson was NOT number one on his high school golf team, and he was NOT number one on his college golf team. But he knew he had talent, he knew he had skill, and he loved the game. "After college, I wanted to see how far I could get as a golf professional, and I didn't want any regrets, so I went for it."

He realized he had the talent and the drive, the itch to play, and the desire to win. And Zach took advantage of the opportunity. Big time.

"I'm driven to compete. I compete at anything from backyard basketball to pinball. I'm a natural competitor. And I compete to win at anything I do - it's not just golf. If I'm playing cards against my grandma, I wanna win."

Besides his system, Zach Johnson has a philosophy. He believes that it's a combination of hard work and the bounce of the ball, the right people and the right approach to the game. He says, "You must have a combination of the itch (the desire) to play, the deep want to excel and win, the drive (pun intended), and the love of the game. That's the personal piece."

He goes on to say, "If you can get others to believe in you as much as you believe in yourself, you can become a master. And not just in golf or business or sales - a master in life."

The Zach Johnson qualities I saw were a great attitude, a constant smile, a "real person" humility, and a man that loves his family.

He's is not just a golf champion, he's not just a master. Zach Johnson is a winner.

J Gittomer

Happy Holiday’s,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 12/10/07

2007-12-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Grab your cup of coffee, then sit back and watch this video. Listen carefully to his advice…don’t think anything else needs to be said. After all, he is a Billionaire!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=JPL_NjBjUWE

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!!

Happy Holiday’s,

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 12/3/07

2007-12-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Check out this video…it will put a smile on your face and definitely get your started off with the right attitude this week. This MOJO was sent to me a while ago from Sandy Stroppa out our Intero Morgan Hill Office…

“This is a story about a guy, a guy like most of us, common, questioning his existences, measuring himself to others, never believing in his abilities or his worth. Then one day, his passion outgrew his fears as he stepped onto a stage, a stage that took him to a place beyond his self imposed prison.

Watch the faces of the judges as this guy walks out on the stage. You can almost see what they're thinking as they pre-judge this guy based on his looks and the fact that he's a cell phone salesman.

Maybe this guy stopped believing in what people told him for so many years and ultimately started listening to his passion.”

http://www.maniacworld.com/Phone-Salesman-Amazes-Crowd.html

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!

"To avoid criticism...say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. If you want to get ahead in the world, you'll have to do all three. So expect to be criticized."

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 11/26/07

2007-11-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

“…enjoy it…it goes by so fast and those where some of the most memorable times in our lives” They try to get us to realize it when we are in Elementary School…then High School…then College…then when we start our Career…then when we get Married…then when our Children are Born…then Raising our Children and being with them while they grow up. Our parents and those older than us, who have the most experience because they have already lived what we are experiencing today, try to make sure we slow down long enough to appreciate the moment…to appreciate what we have today because they know how awesome it truly is…they have already lived it. Unfortunately for so many of us we are too preoccupied with the opportunities of tomorrow to slow down long enough to appreciate the gift of today.

I was with my family and some friends in the Bahamas last week on an awesome vacation creating memories and I really focused on being in the moment…not thinking about tomorrow…next week….next month… No phone, no e-mail, no texting, no checking messages, not voice mail… It was AWESOME!!!!! So, why is it more times than not it isn’t until the time has past and we reflect back that we realize they where right. Think about it…imagine if you could go back and do it again how much more you would appreciate it they second time knowing what you know today. If we are always focused on tomorrow and wanting the next thing to happen we won’t realize how awesome today is.

We all have to remember today is yesterday’s tomorrow and it was what we where hoping for yesterday, last week, last month, last year. Be fired up about today…tomorrow will come soon enough and once it is here, all we are going to wish is we could have yesterday back again.

Make it a GREAT week!!!

Happy Holiday’s,

"To avoid criticism...say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. If you want to get ahead in the world, you'll have to do all three. So expect to be criticized."

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 11/12/07

2007-11-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

I’m 43 and an interesting thing happens when you get into your 40’s (and for some it starts even earlier). I have written about this before…once most people hit 40, they stop climbing and start coasting down hill into their eventual grave. From the big fat bellies, to the way they walk, the way they stand, the way they dress, the way they keep their personal spaces…their health and fitness…their drive to improve…everything. Most 40 something’s just give up on improving and getting better…most just seem to give in, throw their hands in the air and say “screw it…why do I even care anymore”. How pathetic…we all could take some advice from the Eagle who has the longest life span of its species. Check out this slide show. Although it may not be easy and could even be painful, we don’t have to give in…we can choose to change so we can keep flying!!!!!

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!!

"To avoid criticism...say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. If you want to get ahead in the world, you'll have to do all three. So expect to be criticized."

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 11/5/07

2007-11-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Good Morning MOJO,

You're five years old…you and a bunch of neighborhood kids are playing hide and seek…you're it. 1.2.3.4...10 . You open your eyes andthey're all standing there staring back at you.

Now was that fun? No. For you to receive pleasure, all the kids must hide. The effort of finding each individual is what makes this game so enjoyable. The act of hiding is the mechanism that produces all the fun.

This is life, people. Our fulfillment eludes us because otherwise, it wouldn't be so fulfilling. It's the hunt for love, money, health, friendships, and ultimately spiritual awakening that fuels our desire to live. If it was handed to us right off the bat, life would be dullsville.

Today, look at life as one big game of hide and seek. Enjoy the process of struggling, and know that your fulfillment is hiding right under your nose.

Make it a GREAT week!!!!!

"To avoid criticism...say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. If you want to get ahead in the world, you'll have to do all three. So expect to be criticized."

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 10/29/07

2007-10-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

Happy New Year!!!!! What? Yep…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

We have a tradition at Intero…we kick off the New Year in October, not January…and we kicked it off last week at our ALL Company Meeting. I know many of you where there, but for those of you who weren’t, we had champagne, noise makers, we did the count down…the whole thing. So, why in the world would we kick off the New Year in October?

Have you ever noticed how most people stop working…stop going for it…stop moving forward in the 4^th quarter? I don’t know why, but most people just seem to throw it in neutral and coast into the end of the year…and we all know you can only coast one way…down hill. A perfect example of this is our health. Did you know the average American gains nearly 10 pounds over the Holiday’s (4^th Quarter)? So, if we wait until January to kick off our New Years resolutions, we aren’t going to start where we are today, but farther behind. Lets not wait…let’s kick off our New Year today!!! We all know the winners and losers at almost everything in life are determined in the 4^th quarter…the first 3 quarters just insure we stay in the game so we have the opportunity to win it in the 4^th.

Lets all finish the year like winners with energy, enthusiasm and passion. Lets’ not only have a great 4^th quarter of 2007 both personally and professionally, but lets insure we are going to start 2008 on fire and not farther behind. This is MOJO time!!!!

Make it a GREAT week and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Luck does not just happen...it is created when preparation and opportunity meet.

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com

Monday Morning MOJO 10/22/07

2007-10-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning MOJO,

I met a guy last week that is a true success story. He is coming to work for Intero, but is not starting until after the first of the year so I can’t mention his name yet. However, his story of rags to riches was so inspiring I could not wait to share it.

Unable to speak English, he came to the United States chasing the American Dream at the age of 17 with his 13 year old brother and nothing more than the clothes on their back. He and his brother lived in a garage sleeping on the floor for their first several months here until he earned enough money, working at McDonalds, so that they could afford a place for them to live. At the age of 19 he got married and proceeded to have 2 children. He became a Cab Dispatcher and then a Cab Driver in San Francisco working 16 hours a day 7 days a week, using his tips to support his family and saving his modest salary to purchase a small home in Pacifica. He did this for 13 years, then September 11, 2001 happened and the travel industry came to a screeching halt…too many cab drivers and not enough business. He had to sell his modest home, packed up his family and moved to San Diego. He always dreamed of having a job where he could wear a suit and the 2 possible options which came to mind where stock broker or real estate agent. With the stock market crash, he knew that was not a very good option. So, with no money in the bank and a small 401K of less than ten thousand dollars he cashed out so they could live, he decided to get his real estate license. About 4 months into the 6 month process of getting his license, he decided to contact several real estate companies in San Diego and met a top producing Realtor. He asked him to show him the ropes and the agent agreed. That is when the reality of selling real estate set in. All he saw from the outside was what most people not in our industry see. It looks easy…people driving around in nice cars, wearing nice clothes and all you have to do is hold a few open houses, show a some houses and you will make a lot of money. He showed up to work where the agent gave him a desk and a phone and instructed him to start calling. He worked 16 hours a day, 7 days a week for 2 months cold calling 250 people a day…FOR FREE!!!!

Finally he got his license but had no money left and his family was about to get kicked out on the street. He found a Broker who would hire him and worked for 72 hours non stop and some how put 2 homes in escrow (remember the average Realtor in the State of California sells less than 2 homes a year). He then some how convinced his Broker to give him an advance on his commission so his family would not get thrown out in the street. He continued to work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week and started to make it happen. His wife’s family lives in the Bay Area and she wanted to move back home. So they packed it up and moved back to the Bay Area where he started real estate from scratch a 2^nd time. Just 2 years later he sold 50 homes and made over $1,000,000. Today he’s a successful real estate professional driving in that Mercedes, wearing those nice clothes and has money in the bank. His wife drives a Porsche and he is living the American Dream. He still is working 7 days a week. The most amazing thing is how humble he still is. After all this, he comes from a place of total gratitude. He is thankful for the life he has been able to create and he has no sense of entitlement.

In my job, I get the privilege of meeting a lot of different people, from all different backgrounds. From those who where born and raised in the Bay Area, went to the best colleges and have lived here all their lives…to people who came to this country with nothing more than the clothes on their back. I meet people who make millions of dollars a year and those who can’t even pay their rent. What is the difference? The interesting thing I have discovered is that your level of success does not seem too be dependent on the back ground you come from. Actually, I think there are more people who become a huge success that came here with nothing more than the clothes on their back than those who where born and raised here. Why? Because those who come to this country with nothing more than the clothes on their back have No Ego….No Options…No boundaries…place No Blame…are Incredible Persistence…Accept Personal Responsibility…all they see is the opportunity and not the road blocks to getting what they want in life…they are willing to truly work their ass off and do whatever it takes. Not just show up…buy really work their ass off and do whatever it takes.

So, you aren’t getting what you want? And I am not just talking financially…I am talking spiritually, in your job, in your relationships, your health…YOUR LIFE!!! Read this again and then tell me…are you really doing everything you can…are you really working your ass off and doing whatever it takes or are you just kidding yourself, making excuses and bouncing along…just hoping?

Get out and make it a great week!!!!!

Luck does not just happen...it is created when preparation and opportunity meet.

Tom Tognoli
COO, Founder

Intero Real Estate Services
Direct: 650.622.1225 or 408.342.3001
Email: TTognoli@InteroRealEstate.com
Website: www.InteroRealEstate.com