Despite the fact that the Puget Sound economy is significantly better than the rest of the US economy, after four years of recession, it's hard not to be affected and dragged down a bit. And when clients with 800 credit scores have difficulty obtaining financing, the banking meltdown is relived once again with the pain of the recession hitting home. In fact, prices in our area have dropped as much as 30% and there are 25% fewer brokers in the NWMLS than there were four years ago. While those are sobering numbers, they also indicate a tremendous opportunity for those that are resilient, able to stay motivated and execute their plan. Ah, that is the key, the universal truth that planning provides the stability when all else about us is chaotic. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we plan for the eventual catastrophic earthquake. Why? Because proper planning by definition, allows us to go on "autopilot" and ensure that without thinking there is a system in place to check that the gas is turned off, water is available, first aid supplies and food are available, etc. Shouldn't be have a business plan that creates the structure to survive economic disruptions and challenges too? Isn't there a benefit to knowing, in advance, how to stay on track, when everything else is trying to keep you off track? Shouldn't we have community and support with and from our colleagues and management, or friends, family, church, service groups or a bona fide counselor when necessary? Staying focused ...