The Top NANNER Award; 3 ways to your Personal Best

Recently I received the Top NANNER Award at Nationwide Appraisal Network. The Top NANNER Award is a prestigious award at NAN recognizing outstanding service and commitment as a NANNER in appraisal management. What’s so special about the award is not only do you feel GREAT for receiving it, but every time someone is honored with the award it’s their turn to add something unique, whether it’s a picture, a quote, a memento, or even a wine cork! Anything goes.  

At first I was going to add a small tennis shoe, because my new passion is running 5k’s, but then I started to really think about the meaning. I actually received this award and attended a friend’s funeral in the same week.  Needless to say it was a week of mixed emotions.  Mixed emotions or not, it was uplifting to learn that I was being recognized for being the best me I can be.  So, that got me contemplating.  How can I share this award and benefit others?  So I came up with the top three ways to become your “Personal Best” or “PB”.

1. Spend time alone. Every single part of our body needs a break now and then. Being alone is sort of like re-booting your computer. We’re all so rushed and busy every second of the day. It’s important to turn your brain off and spend some down time with nothing to think of or do. It’s so important, especially in our connected society, to disconnect and recharge our own batteries. Trust me, it does wonders. You’ll be more productive at home and at work and you’ll feel more relaxed. It’ll also give you time to think about your life and all of your accomplishments and what you want to achieve. I learned that solitude can improve your state of mind and body. Practice this every day!
2. Stay positive. We all have our trials and tribulations in life and think our problems are worse than everyone else’s. Regina Brett said it best, “If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.” I was actually just thinking about this last week. “What’s the one hot spot in my life?”   Then I thought “wow, when will this be over?” That same day I received a call from a good friend who went through the laundry list of issues she was having. I immediately thought of Regina’s quote and took a deep breath.  Having a positive attitude and outlook on life will make a huge difference in the way you feel and how you overcome stress.

Since I started working at the age of 14, my superiors had the same comment about my demeanor, “you always have a smile on your face”.  I’ve learned early on, the way you think has a direct correlation on how you feel.  Not only does it affect you physically, but mentally too.  Researchers continue to examine the benefits of positive thinking.  Some include: lower stress levels, lower rates of depression, strengthened immune system and better coping skills to name just a few. That’s good enough for me!

1. What’s on your bucket list? This is the most important one and my personal favorite. It’s not like a New Year’s resolution (to me those never stick). This is your “Golden” List! I think it’s important for everyone to have goals and things they’d love to accomplish in their lifetime.  Having short and long term goals helps to provide vision and gives us inspiration.  Anything can be on our bucket list:  hobbies, career goals, ideas, inventions, anything!  We all think “oh I’d love to XYZ someday” but we never actually do it because we’re so wrapped up in everyday life noise (see #1.) Your list will be there to remind you of the person you are and who you want to become.  It sort of holds you accountable. If time lapses and I don’t see any extra check marks on my list I know it’s time for me to get moving.  The feeling of accomplishment is overwhelming when I check something off.  It’s truly amazing and I know you’ll feel it too.

So, instead of a shoe I actually decided to add a mirror to the award. I added a mirror to reflect and evoke a question in you. Is what you see in the reflection really the person you strive to be every day? Can you honestly say that it’s really YOU looking back? Often times we get so wrapped up in the speed of life that we actually forget to stop, reflect, and think about the person we are and who we want to become.  I’ve thought about why NAN chose me for the award.  After much thought I realized it’s because I’m doing a fabulous job at work and this month they saw my PB. Are you next?