DAILY HABITS

Daily Habits That Will Increase Your Mental Strength

When it comes to building physical strength, the solutions are obvious, but keeping up your mental strength isn’t as easy as going to the gym. Although physical exercise does help clear your head and relieve stress, there are other things you can do daily that will help your mind be as strong and flexible as your body after a workout. Here’s just a few things you can do to help clear your head and make you more productive. DON’T WASTE YOUR BRAIN POWER That might seem obvious, but think about how much mental energy you might use up worrying about negativity or things you have no control over. Instead of focusing on problems, focus on solutions. This actually take a lot of effort, we’re all conditioned to let worry paralyze us sometimes. Try and catch yourself when you’re

wasting time thinking about about past mistakes or current dilemmas you don’t have the power to stop. You really only have so much mental energy, and if you have kids and an especially stressful work situation, that might be even less than normal. Start treating your brain like the precious resource it is. You don’t want to be running on empty when it really matters.

BE MORE POSITIVE Eliminating negative thoughts is essential to increasing your mental strength. Carrying around negativity is like swimming with all of your clothes on. You might be okay at first, but eventually you’ll feel like you can barely stay afloat. Don’t drown in negativity, use positive thoughts as a lifesaver. This doesn’t mean you should ignore things you need to improve, just approach them with solutions rather than beating yourself up. Constant monitoring of this is important since it’s really easy to slide back into negative thinking.

STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE A lot of mental energy can go to dealing with anxiety. One way to deal with that is by forcing yourself to try new things and take on new challenges, that you might normally avoid because they make you feel unsure or scared. Challenge yourself daily, even with small things. This is definitely something that becomes easier with practice. Start small, and in no time you’ll be taking on things you never thought were possible. The simple task of trying something new every day will have you feeling energized and put you on the path to self-growth.

BE SELF-AWARE Your emotions affect everything you do, even if they’re not at the surface. Recognizing and labeling them is key. A lot of the above exercises require selfreflection. It’s okay to have the emotions you have, understanding why and where those emotions come from allows you to focus on dealing with them rather than just wallowing in them. Being self-aware is also about self-care. Know the things that help relax and rejuvenate you. That way you can handle everyday stresses and remain calm even during the most turbulent times.

BE WILLING TO LEARN A lot of people are still hung up on the idea that learning is a boring and tedious process, but you aren’t in junior high anymore. You can find something you’re actually interested in and immerse yourself in it, which engages your mind like nothing else. Whether it’s learning a new technology that will improve your business or something that will make you a more well-rounded person, the learning process keeps you engaged and open to new ideas. A curiosity about the world and new things is something that all mentally strong people have in common.

LISA N. PINDER

When Lisa N. Pinder left her government position in order to pursue her dream of becoming a REALTOR® she was uncertain of the future and whether she had made the right decision. But as soon as she got her license and started helping clients, she knew she had found her true calling. Lisa currently works at Exit Landmark Realty with a team of six other agents, and serves clients throughout Southern Maryland, mainly in areas of Accokeek, Clinton, Brandywine, Upper Marlboro, Bowie and Waldorf areas of Prince Georges and Charles Counties as well as surrounding areas.

Aside from her expertise, knowledge, and reputation for being a top producer at her brokerage, clients also come to Lisa for her caring approach which they know always puts their best interest at the forefront. “I care and I put clients first because I think that ultimately brings the type of relationships that help the business grow,” she says. And Lisa’s care extends past the end of a transaction, as she often sends out handwritten notes and pops by to check in on her past clients. She also often surprises clients with thoughtful gifts such as pumpkins and mums for the fall, but because of COVID-19 this year she has been sending personal video messages to let clients know she’s there for them. Being a successful entrepreneur means a lot to Lisa, but nothing beats the feeling of fulfillment that her clients bring her at the end of a transaction. “When a person comes to me and says that they never thought they could even have a home, much less a beautiful brand new home, that’s when the tears come and that’s when I truly realize how much what I do matters to people,” she says.

When she’s not working Lisa loves to experiment in the kitchen, curl up with a good book, and spend quality time with her grandbaby. She has also started a staging business in her spare time and is working on growing it. In the future she wants to continue her real estate work and plans on staying at her current brokerage where she feels her ethical values perfectly align with those of her peers. “We all know that we’re blessed to be doing the work we’re doing, and we love to give back some of those blessings to the community and help where we can. I truly love this business and I have a blast meeting people and going through this journey with them. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than being able to help clients achieve their real estate dreams.”

When she’s working with sellers Lisa’s focus is on heavy marketing. Her technique includes a lot of social media as well as door-to-door campaigning so that people in the community have the chance to pick their own neighbor. Being deeply involved within her own community, she understands the importance of having tight-knit neighborhoods. Lisa personally partners with local elementary schools to throw free movie nights that include delicious snacks, and she helps out with book bag supply drives. She’s also part of a local nonprofit that helps provide children with meals when they’re not at school.

To learn more about Lisa N. Pinder email Findahousewithlisa@gmail.com, visit www.findahousewithlisa.com, or call (240) 988–8934

MARY PISCITELLI

Top Agent Mary Piscitelli is everything one could want in a Realtor: honest, hardworking and deeply knowledgeable about every aspect of the real estate industry. Working alongside her husband, Peter Gillis, Mary has established a solid reputation as a trusted advocate for her many grateful buyers and sellers. Operating under the auspices of Dudum Real Estate in Lafayette, California for resale properties and luxury new construction homes, Mary and Peter have built a thriving business based on integrity and a true concern for the wellbeing of their clients in the Golden State’s East Bay Area market.

Mary, who was born and raised in the Bay Area and graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BSN degree, began her journey in real estate in 2003 following a long stint in the nursing field. “My husband and I started at the same time,” recalls Mary. “He comes from a family of investors, and my brother is a general contractor and electrician. Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve been enthralled by new construction because of my brother. After Peter and I got married, we started working together as a team.”

Since then, Mary and Peter have built a thriving business based on integrity and excellence in customer service. Currently, more than two thirds of Mary and Peter’s business is based on returning clients and referrals, a true barometer of the excellent guidance they provide to their customers. “I think it’s because we really focus on our professionalism, and because of our obvious passion for this business,” says Mary, when asked to account for the loyalty and trust she and Peter inspire. “Having been in the nursing profession, I really focus on being a client advocate. We also work really well as a team, and I think people really appreciate that because we really listen to them to discover their needs and goals.” efforts to gain maximum exposure of their listings to potential buyers. “We use a variation of marketing techniques,” says Mary. These techniques are a vital mix of more traditional methods such as advertising in newspapers and magazines, and more cutting-edge utilization of the internet and social media platforms. The result is almost always a fast sale for top dollar, not to mention happy clients who continue to return and refer new clients.

During the rare moments when she and Peter aren’t working, the couple traveling and meeting new people. Mary also enjoys long walks with her two dogs, and she and Peter are both athletic – skiing and bicycle riding being among their two favorite activities. The couple are also philanthropic at heart, and support multiple charities including The Diabetes Foundation, among others.

Asked about her plans for her business, Mary grows thoughtful for a moment before replying. “I just want to continue focusing on where we’re at.” Where they’re at, currently, is near the pinnacle of their profession, and the scores of glowing reviews she and Peter have received from past clients confirms this assessment.

“We really love what we do,” says Mary, her sincerity obvious.

There are many other factors that come into play when assessing Mary and Peter’s success, and chief among them would be their thoughtful and thorough approach to marketing, which leaves no stone unturned in their

For more information about Mary Piscitelli, call 925-765-9095 or email Mary@Dudum.com