Do What You Love, and Love What You Do

Today I want to share a principle that I am very passionate about; this principle drives everything that I do! The principle is that people thrive when they love what they do. I know that that sounds like it’s straight out of a cheesy self-help book. I’m not one of those gurus that believes you can wake up every morning with passion and excitement, and that if you don’t there’s something wrong with you. I don’t think that’s true. Just like a yo-yo has to go down in order to come back up, I think that sometimes we have to have bad days. I believe in the 82% rule: I think that about 82% of the time, you should be happy and enjoy your life.

All that being said, I know some of you are asking the question: do you really expect me to be passionate about appraising? The short answer is, yes. I do. You may not be passionate about everything you do as an appraiser, but you should be passionate about a part of what you do as an appraiser, at least.

Consider for a moment this question: if you could do anything in the world for work, money not being an issue, what would you do? Think seriously about it. There are, of course, some answers that are not realistic. It’s not likely that you could become an astronaut (although maybe some of you could). For me, if I could do anything in the world, it would be teaching. There’s a thrill that I get from preparing material, working with people to help them learn, and seeing their lives change as a result. That’s why I coach. When it comes to appraising, there are many parts that I don’t love (as there would be in any other job), but I do enjoy the inspections. The important thing is that I am able to enjoy enough of what I do that the rest of it is worth it.

If you want to truly be successful, consider if you are doing something that you can say you enjoy. You will find that you are happier and more resilient if you do. As a business owner, do your employees enjoy what they do? Are they passionate about some aspect of their work? If not, perhaps there’s a better place for them to be, either in your business or elsewhere. Your employees will be happier and more productive if they, like you, enjoy what they do. 

For more information on this subject, please download and listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode: 

9 thoughts on “Do What You Love, and Love What You Do”

  1. I am one of those gurus that gets up every morning and goes to bed being passionate about appraising and thus will continue to call bull crap in this industry until my estate orders retrospective appraisals after my death. In fact, its written in stone that the appraisers will be paid double what they quote as a final thank you to the grunts on the ground who have in part build this great nation. Too many in this profession are spineless sellout trolls who too often put profits before principles.

    Good point Gary.

    Seek the truth.

    1. Thanks Shirleyann.

      Big picture, to many people including most on this site unfortunately have not been able to see the fire in this industry because of the smoke. Meaning, bringing to light the issues in this profession often results in backlash to the messenger instead of acknowledgement of the shortcomings / truth. Put principles before profits and question those who start the fires and or who are fanning the flames to enrich themselves.

      Seek the truth.

  2. Over the years as my company has grown, I have learned about myself and found the areas of appraisal that I enjoy most (not lender work) and have been able to focus on those areas. I am grateful for that.

    1. I don’t know what you think you know about the True Footage business plan, but it is not secret and we are following all laws. Wouldn’t be in business very long if we weren’t. We also would not last very long if we had the negative outlook on this profession that you seem to always have.

      1. I would have no idea if True Footage is following all laws and regulations relating to appraising nor would you based on the company size. The link I provided does elude to a potential problem on a state level relating to the separation of the inspection from the appraisal.

        Considering appraiser trainees of the past were required to have direct onsite inspection supervision for the duration of the probation period (was 2.5 years in CA), please tell us about the extensive training your “Inspectors Only” are getting? The story has yet to be written, but the truth always comes out.

        Related to you saying, I have a “negative outlook”, considering I’ve been posting here for seven years and have been right related to the destruction of a profession (AMC’s, black lists, appraisal waivers, C&R fees, hybrid appraisals, Fannie interference, Fed interference, false racism claims, etc.), how is being right then and now being negative?

        Seek the truth.

        1. Thank you for the blog, Dustin. I am doing what I love. I am passionate about appraising. Do not need the money and still doing appraising. My average fee is $600 plus in a market with $450 average and also working with Bill’s devil AMCs. Unlimited work still with appraisers leaving the business due to lack of work. Life is great. Keep up the great work, keep telling the truth. Dustin. Shame on bitter lying jealous Bill. Bill, Can’t wait for your blah, AMC bad, blah, Kevin, Dustin evil blah. Ps I looked it up. TrueFootage does not do work in West Virginia.

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