For the past five years, I’ve been a full-time real estate agent. Working in real estate affords a lot of flexibility, and I’ve needed flexibility to lead a team of partners to develop a patent application for an invention of mine. As I was indulging my enthusiasm for exploiting opportunity, I delighted in concurrently offering my services as a marketing consultant, a sales productivity coach, and a CRM systems integrator. Sixteen months ago I added work-from-home father to the list. Twelve months ago I started a real estate firm with my wife, Jacy.
Confucius said: “The man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.” In support of his expression, I’ve had a ball chasing rabbits, but I haven’t caught many.
I’m good at most things I try and, in an odd way, this has been a big challenge for me. I secretly fear (until now) that I might be a virtuoso at something, but I’ll never know what it is because there’s not enough time in this life to explore every possibility. Though not comprehensive, I’ve assembled an impressive list of disciplines for which I am definitely not a virtuoso. Nevertheless, I’ve decided to keep practicing to play guitar.
I’ve put a lot of energy into mastering the dark arts of marketing and strategic planning, even earning an MBA. In fact, I’m a pretty good marketer, though my clearest differentiator from others is a visceral distain for BS. Unfortunately, it turns out, there are lots of pretty good marketers with no such hangups. And as a pretty good management consultant, I found strategic planning akin to weaving a cloth so fine that only an emperor can see it. Plus, I hate being only “pretty good” at anything.
No matter what my role or title, I’ve always been most appreciated for my understanding of technology and it’s implications to business and society. Yet, for a long time, I sidestepped this talent choosing instead to develop more conventional business and leadership skills. Well, as Grand Master Oogway teaches: “Often the steps we take to avoid destiny lead us to it.” I’m grateful to finally recognize my calling, so I am deliberately embarking on a path of thoughtful constraint and seeking to apply the leadership skills I’ve developed to my innate talents.
My first steps in this direction are these:
- I am no longer practicing real estate sales. I will, however, keep my broker’s license and refer people to agents who are better than me.
- I am focusing on a career of technology leadership. This is an area where I can deliver extraordinary contributions.
- I am thinning out the sidelines that compete with family time. In other words, I’m in the process of aligning my attention with my priorities.
Thank you, my friends and family, for supporting me as I adjust my course. Of course, I will appreciate any opportunity leads you can send my way. In any case, please “Like” this post and help me spread the word!
Click here to view my resume
About Christopher Price
Hello Christopher,
I am so happy for you and your family. I believe what ever you set your mind to do, you most definiely will achieve it. You are a go- getter with great values and ambition. I wish you the very best and will miss working with you. The very best! Paula
Christopher, I enjoyed reading your blog. Congratulations for making this leap of faith. I am on a simular path and it is awesome! What really blows me away is that you have read The Artist Way! I just started the 3rd week today. Getting in touch with the right side of my brain is taking some work after 16 years in real estate sales. There is a whole new world out there! Abundant blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for saying ‘hello’ Angie. After 16 years in real estate I have no doubt you can handle anything this transition pops in front of you! The Artist’s Way is a great book. If you ever do decide to get a (gasp!) normal job, you might also take a look at The Artist’s Way at Work also. I think it’s important for people to discover and nourish their true nature. It’s chilling how many people seem to muddle through life without seeming to know themselves.
Shove me in the shallow water / Before I get too deep… -Edie Brickell
Christopher,
Bravo. So many in life are still searching for a compass. Sounds like you’ve found a map. My hat’s off to a gentleman who’s got it together better than he knows.
Thanks, Beau! Strong words from the hardest working man in title insurance. I hope I haven’t backed myself off your jambalaya-fest invitation list. That’s the real lagniappe for those making your acquaintance!
CP, sounds like a Jerry Maguire moment! Brother, I’ve sent you some detailed comments in an email. Check it out, drop me a line, and let’s get that track greased, boy-o!
Much appreciated! I should have known if I asked a professional copywriter to give a quick read of my post would return me a snout-full of suggestions. Bradley had the decency to brush me off with a “I don’t understand it, you’re on your own…” What else could I expect from a sports journalist?
Never-the-less I decided to open with something other than: “Show me the money!” I’ll keep that on the back burner, though.
Christopher, this sounds like progress to me. It is always an interesting process filtering out the things in life that necessary, profitable, and that align with your gifts, talents, and time from the ‘conventional’ directions and dreams that are a ‘siren’s song’ to our lives. All the best to you in refining the decisions that allow you to focus your time and energy on only the best of your multiple gifts and talents until your ultimate calling is manifest. All the best, my friend. Robert…
Thank you, Robert. I think my siren is lost or something… Watery tart needs to get un-lost and toss me the sword, pronto.
Good luck to you on your future endeavor. I for one understand the need for balance in your life and the need for change sometimes. Here’s to more happiness and time with family and friends.
Sweet as ever. Soon we’ll both be out of excuses about why we see each other so infrequently.
Hi Chris,
I am very happy for you. What an excellent decision to make for yourself and your family.
Best wishes to you!
Anita
Thanks for the wishes and private suggestions also. I was going for “dreamy” but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve missed *that* mark.
Hey Chris, Thanks for sharing your recent thought processess. I can identify with this journey and it seems you have had a welcome burst of clarity. Congrats!
Thanks, Laura! I read a book a while back written for creative-types facing blocks (usually of their own creation). If you haven’t read it already, I think you would like The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.