Does anyone else feel like a weight has been lifted off of their back? As soon as the clock struck midnight, I immediately felt more optimistic about the pending year before us.
The last couple of years have had some pretty severe impact on our business and I know from talking to many other people, I wasn’t alone. The recession played havoc across Canada, but here in Alberta it was a real wake up call. As usual, we went from boom to bust in a relatively short period and the repercussions have dragged out for far too long.
Now I’m not saying we had it worse than other places. In fact, we came out quite good considering the impact it had. It’s actually quite likely that our worst point was actually better than other provinces peak; we just cannot see that perspective because it is so close to us.
To help us move forward for 2011, Karen and I sat down for our usual New Year’s Eve Goal planning and strategizing for the year and from what we have put together, as long as we stay on plan, it will be known to us as “The Turnaround Year”. If you haven’t thought about what you are hoping to accomplish during 2011 yet, the sooner you sit down and plan the better. Here is an old post that may help with that, Goal Setting Techniques.
Anyway, I don’t want to drag this initial post of the year out to long so I am going to wrap it up, after one last story. Often my posts have been revolving around problem tenants and negative issues, so last night it was great to receive this comment from a former tenant who just happened to find my blog and read about a former problem tenant who will forever be known as SWAT boy.
Hi Bill. I used to rent one of those rooms in the Beddington house. Just wanted to say that you are a good person and a great landlord. I realize that these rooming houses are a great deal of work and are very exhausting. You have helped so many people in need of affordable accommodations over the years. It is just too bad that the workload and problems outweigh the rewards. I just wanted to let you know that you have made a difference in many people’s lives and to thank you for all that you did to help me out when I knew you. Best wishes to you and your family. Darren
If that’s not a sign that things are changing, I don’t know what it could be! Happy 2011 everyone!
