In most of our lives and careers we'll experience setbacks of one kind or another. It could be as simple as losing a sale despite our best efforts, or as big as a reversal in our financial position. Either way, it takes a positive attitude to get past these hurdles.

But, it takes courage and prayer to overcome another type of setback, and that's the emotionally-packed loss of a loved one, a family member or a good or best friend.

I thought I'd weathered the loss of my father, the rock-of-gibraltor, the steadfast good advice giver, and was now onward and upward. But the fates had another challenge for me to conquer.

A tumor had taken up residence in my brain. Yike...it had to be removed. The worry, the pain involved...I thought I might lose my spirit. This was just too much. However, to be in our business, one must be resilient, and with the help and support of friends and family, and their prayers...prayers I solicited from all faiths... I was able to forge forward to do the "due diligence" of finding the right entity to do the job for me.

After many tests at a local world-renowned medical facility here, I found that we had yet another world-renowned institute right here in the Valley. I remembered that a few years ago, a Saudi queen had come with her entourage, to have surgery done here. Upon investigation, Barrow Neurological Institute specializes in brain and spinal trauma.

My interview with the neurosurgeon that specialized in brain tumors left me feeling confident that I was in good hands. Can you guess why? Technology! The very thing that is driving our business into the future!

Unlike the other facility, this institute had an advanced 3D MRI, and materials, like titanium micromesh and a bonelike paste that could be shaped for the restoration of my skull. Awesome! The first person to meet me an hour before surgery was the computer technician who would be guiding the neurosurgeon via computer imagery during the surgery. And I thought our tech tools were cool!

Needless to say, I am better now than I've ever been, thanks to modern technology. I could not have had a better result. As proof of that, I took a listing the second week after surgery, and made a sale the third week. Neither client knew I had this surgery...a fact I didn't want to make a difference.

I KNOW I'm not the only realtor to face adversity, and that's why I'm telling my little story. As we make plans for the new millennium, it is almost a given that we will face hurdles during the year, big and small, personal and careerwise. How can we prepare for them? I suggest that the roadmaps that we set forth for ourselves right now include the very attributes that helped me not only survive but thrive. And those are...good planning financially to be in a position to tide you through a month or more during the trauma; a fitness and health program that will aid you in snapping back quickly from a physical trauma; and a strong support group of friends and family to help you emotionally get through any setback.

I mention this last because it's very easy to let relationships slide when we're so busy with our careers and business...yet we emphasize how important it is to make the connection to our customers and clients. A very real effort has to be made to make time to be there with and for them because they are the foundation of our well-being. I cherish those friends, colleagues, and family that prayed for me, and sent me their love.

There is no better time to make resolutions that can carry you through a possible setback. Now is the time to evaluate and take the steps necessary to include these resolutions in with those business decisions that will propel you to success.

I feel that I have been given a gift, and I plan to return the favor. This will be my most productive year ever!