Zig Ziglar, the iconic motivational speaker and author, once said, "What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." This seemingly simple statement holds profound wisdom, a powerful reminder that the true value of our pursuits lies not solely in the outcome, but in the transformative process itself. The Illusion of Destination-Focused Success Our society often glorifies achievement. We celebrate the big wins, the milestones, the "arrival" at a coveted goal. We strive for promotions, for material wealth, for recognition, focusing our energy on reaching the destination. While these achievements can bring a sense of satisfaction, they often leave us feeling empty, a fleeting high followed by a looming sense of "what's next?". The Power of the Journey Ziglar's quote challenges this narrow focus. He argues that the true value lies not in the final destination, but in the journey itself. It's the obstacles we overcome, the skills we develop, the resilience we build, the character we cultivate along the way. Here are some key takeaways from Ziglar's profound statement: - Personal Growth: The path towards our goals is a crucible for self-discovery. We learn about our strengths, weaknesses, and limits. We push ourselves beyond our comfort zones, building confidence and adaptability. This personal growth is the true prize, a far more valuable asset than any external reward. - Resilience and Grit: Reaching our goals often involves facing setbacks, failures, and unexpected challenges. The ability to persevere through adversity, to learn from mistakes, and to keep moving forward is essential. This resilience is not just a valuable life skill, it's a testament to our character and determination. I can totally relate to this because of my health issues this year. I was in the hospital in Jan 2024 for 8 days for high blood pressure...they never found out what caused the issue. Then, in March, I had a left hip replacement, which really took me away from my business for over 3 months. Then, when I thought everything was moving in the right direction, breast cancer came back to bite me for the second time. I had two surgeries, with the last one resulting in a total mastectomy. Yet, through all of this, I had my notary community to lean on for strength and healing. I will forever be grateful. - Increased Self-Awareness: As we pursue our goals, we become more aware of our values, motivations, and priorities. We gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and what truly matters to us. This increased self-awareness empowers us to make choices that align with our values and to live a life that is authentically ours. - Positive Habits and Skills: The process of achieving goals often requires us to develop new habits, learn new skills, and adopt new perspectives. These skills, like discipline, time management, and effective communication, become valuable tools for navigating all aspects of our lives, beyond the specific goal itself. I'm still working on this part to make sure I get in my Daily Dos!

The start of a new year is prime time to connect with title offices and showcase your notary services. Everyone is refreshed from the holidays, ready to tackle new goals, and often open to forming new business connections. So, why not use this momentum to your advantage? Put Those ‘Pop-In’ Gifts to Work Remember those thoughtfully planned pop-in gifts? (If you’ve got a stash of goodies, you’re already ahead of the game!) A small, professional gesture—like a basket of treats or branded supplies—can leave a lasting impression. The key here is thoughtful simplicity: think desk-friendly items like pens, sticky notes, or coffee packets that say, “I’m here to help make your job easier.” The Power of Curiosity When you pop in, don’t just hand over your gift and rush off. Make this an opportunity to connect! Use curiosity as your secret weapon. Ask questions like: - “What’s the biggest challenge you face with notary services?” - “Are there any types of signings you wish more notaries were trained in?” - “What makes your favorite notaries stand out?” These open-ended questions show that you’re genuinely interested in helping them succeed, not just pitching your services. Plus, you’ll gain valuable insights to tailor your approach and set yourself apart from the competition. Set Yourself Apart for the Year Ahead First impressions in January can lead to long-term relationships. By showing up as a prepared, professional, and personable notary, you’re planting seeds for referrals and repeat business throughout the year. Title offices will remember you as the solution-driven notary who showed up with a smile and a plan. Pro Tip: Schedule your visits strategically! Call ahead to confirm when staff are less busy and more open to having a quick chat. The mid-morning “coffee break” window is often a sweet spot. As you step into these offices, remember: your professionalism paired with genuine curiosity is a winning combination. Let this be the year you build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with title offices.