WASHINGTON 12-21-20

WASHINGTON EDITION

Embracing Smart Homes: Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: How to List High When Neighbors Are a Nuisance IS BRANDING THE WAY TO

TAKE YOUR BUSINESS TO THE NEXT LEVEL? FEATURED AGENT

ERICA TUDELA

COVER STORY

LISA SPRUTE

WASHINGTON EDITION

ERICA TUDELA Erica Tudela grew up in a real estate family so it was no surprise when 9 she organically progressed into working as a real estate agent. With her love for homes and passion for helping people, it turned out to be the perfect path. She’s been in the business for six years now and works as a solo REALTOR® at Infinity Real Estate, serving clients throughout Washington State, specifically in the Kitsap County area. LISA SPRUTE

Through Erica’s hard work a realign focus and growth, ano 21 has come to fruition. She the creation and publication planner for real estate agent Broker planner. The demand production has surpassed expectations. “I created this myself out of my own need going through a hard time ERICA TUDELA birth to my son. I needed to b tional with my time than eve As a dedicated agent, Erica puts client planner is a tremendous hel satisfaction above everything else. This keeping my business on tr CONTENTS approach has allowed her to build a business that’s made it available to fellow agents around heavily made up of repeat and referral clients. “I’m I receive a constant inflow of support a transparent in myYOUR work with my clients, care which has given me a new sense of pe 4) 3 very WAYS TO MAKE 18)I EMBRACING SMART about their overall It’s important HOMES: for me to DOES pride to be able to help other agents succe WORKSPACE WORKoutcome.

FOR YOU NEW TECHNOLOGY be up front about what is to be expected during the INCREASE HOME VALUE? REALLY process,GOES while guiding them through and giving solu- Going forward Erica is focused on th 6) THERE THE NEIGHBORtionsHOW if we run an issue.

HOOD: TOinto LIST HIGHIt fuels my passion for the growth of her brand and businesses. Her n 22) DAILY create HABITS THAT business when my ARE clientsAaffirm their satisfaction,” a team of like-minded agents, and o WHEN NEIGHBORS WILL INCREASE YOUR MENTAL she says. the line start her very own brokerage. “ NUISANCE STRENGTHamazing visions for the future of my busi Social media has THE changed the way many industries excited to work on making them come tr 15) IS BRANDING WAY operate, and asBUSINESS an innovative, TO TAKE YOUR TOforward-thinking agent able to help people actualize their real est hasLEVEL? embraced technology in all areas of her busiTHE Erica NEXT ness. By utilizing social media she stays connected with clients as well as pinpoint marketing her brand and listings. Her self-published planner and energy Phone 310-734-1440 310-734-1440 keeps Erica on track| Fax to meet her goals in sales volume every year. mag@topagentmagazine.com | www.topagentmagazine.com No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior consent of the publisher. Top Agent As much as she enjoys success, Erica’s favorite part Magazine is published by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although precautions are taken to ensure the accuracy of published ofTop theAgent job Magazine isn’t thecannot amount of transactions can get, materials, be held responsible forshe opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. but instead the people she’sto able to meet and facilTo subscribe or changeit’s address, send inquiry mag@topagentmagazine.com.

Published in the U.S. successes. Erica confides, “For me the best itate their

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part of my work is the personal relationships I develop with clients. Having the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and be able to help them achieve their ideal outcome is an unbelievable feeling.”

To learn more about Eric please call (360) 621–86 Top Agent Magazine email erica@infinityrewa

mailto:mag@topagentmagazine.com

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3 Ways to Make Your Workspace Work for You Productivity experts agree that a curated workspace positively impacts productivity and mood, but oftentimes we settle for bland desks and cubicles that lack personalized details or considerations for workflow. Why miss out on the opportunity to optimize your surroundings when it could brighten your day—and boost your performance? Keep in mind some of these tactics to make your workspace your own and reap the benefits along the way.

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DETERMINE YOUR WORKING STYLE AND DECORATE ACCORDINGLY For the creative set, a colorful and art-filled workspace can inspire fresh ideas and reduce stress. Likewise, casual yet aesthetically pleasing furniture, accessories, and décor set an inviting yet functional mood. A pop of color from an office tool—even something as basic as a stapler—can inject a sense of fun and modernism into your daily tasks. For the more analytical, right-brained worker, clean

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lines and zero clutter go a long way. A few well-chosen personal photos in tasteful, unassuming frames can provide a motivating connection to the world beyond the office, while accessories and supplies that are sleek, monochrome, and contemporary inspire a sense of calm efficiency.

BUILD A WORKSPACE WITH YOUR DAILY ROUTINE IN MIND If you find yourself spending hours on the phone per day, or assembling stacks of documents and brochures, or even coming and going from the office with frequency—there are simple adjustments you can make to your workspace that will save you time and energy. If you sit for long hours—responding to e-mails or making calls—try incorporating an ergonomic chair or keyboard wrist-pad to maximize comfort. If you spend a long time assembling presentation materials, then file organizers, trays, and easy-to-pull labels can shave valuable time off your efforts. Lastly, those who step out for frequent meetings can reduce the hassle of being on-the-go by making your space mindfully organized—a coatrack and a dish for your keys by the door, an auto-brew coffeemaker, or an easily edited whiteboard calendar can make jet-setting simpler.

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ADD EASY DETAILS THAT ENRICH YOUR WORKING EXPERIENCE While organization and décor can rally productivity and mood, there are also a few extra details you can introduce to your workspace to improve the quality of your working life.

Healthy, easy to grab-and-go snacks—think nuts, homemade trail mix, and fresh fruit— can keep your energy up without the sugar crush or guilt. If there’s a window nearby, a hard-to-kill plant like a philodendron or a fern not only cleanse the air around you, but also provide a welcome connection to the natural world. Being prepared in a pinch is another great way to make your workspace work for you: a spare tie, a tube of lip balm, hand sanitizer, or a box of Band-Aids can save you a trip to the store when an unexpected need arises.

While we take great pains to make our homes our sanctuaries—complete with the decorations, furniture, and food we favor—we often overlook our work areas, even though we spend a sizable portion of our week sitting at the same desk. Challenge yourself to add a few of these personalizing, productivity-boosting details to your work area and bring the comfort of home to your working life.

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There Goes the Neighborhood:

How to List High When Neighbors are a Nuisance Troublesome neighbors are a relatively common issue that agents come across. You can control the image of your client’s property and you can control your listing presentation, but you can’t always control what’s happening on your client’s street. How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers?

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First of all, it takes tact and a gameplan. With that in mind, let’s consider a few ways you can maintain a listing’s viability and competitive edge—even when bothersome neighbors are involved. Here are a few common neighborly scenarios agents encounter and how to diffuse them to your advantage.

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How do you diffuse difficult neighbors that could lower your bottom line or embarrass you in front of prospective buyers? It takes tact and a gameplan.

as a courtesy introduction to the neighborhood.

While it may seem like needless busy work, it can dramatically improve prospective buyers’ perceptions of the area. Plus, you may positively ingratiate yourself with neighbors in the area and demonstrate your above-and-beyond service to your clientele in the process.

Is the neighbor’s landscaping an eyesore?

Here’s your recourse.

Most towns and cities have established ordinances regarding yard upkeep. If any of the properties adjacent to your listing are wildly overgrown, littered with junk, or otherwise in a state of obvious disrepair—take it up with the city. Rather than get directly involved at first glance, you might loop in city officials whose job it is to monitor clean-up efforts on rundown yards and properties. If this doesn’t work, you may have to take a more hands-on approach.

Start by thinking small and operating from a place of authenticity and neighborly service.

You might explain to the neighboring tenant that you’re listing and offer to mow their lawn Top Agent Magazine

Are there foreclosed or abandoned homes on your client’s block?

Do your homework.

It may take a little research and digging to figure out the banking entity that owns a foreclosed home, but it’s well worth the effort. Banks are typically required to maintain foreclosed homes on at least a basic level. If you’re worried about

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squatters, an unsightly façade, or general disrepair of a neighboring foreclosed property—go to the source. Sometimes banks take their time in hiring a third party to maintain a foreclosed property, but with some proactive prodding on your part, you may be able to speed the process along and resolve eyesores even before prospective buyers come calling. Remember: the squeaky wheel gets the grease. An improved bottom line will be your reward for those few prodding phone calls and emails.

Noisy, nosy, or annoying neighbors?

Don’t be discouraged.

Obnoxious neighbors can really rain on a seller’s parade, especially the kind of neighbor 8

that takes their less-than-stellar behavior to their porch, front yard, or sidewalk. While this sensitive issue may seem daunting, there are a few official channels you can utilize to thwart the issue before getting personally involved. If the neighborhood in question is governed by an HOA, you might take it up with them. If the troublesome neighbor is harassing passersby or taking to the sidewalk—in other words, public space—then you may be able to involve local authorities in worst-case scenarios. Of course, it’s always possible to talk to troublesome neighbors faceto-face, but do so with caution and with safety as the priority. Always reason gently and empathetically, utilizing I... phrasing, instead of accusatory You... phrasing. After all, some neighbors are clueless about their impact on the neighborhood and may adjust their behavior after being called out. If the issue persists and no third-party authority can help, then you may have to disclose the neighbor’s issues to prospective buyers, depending on the disclosure laws in your region. While this may seem like a blow, you can at least rest easy knowing you pursued all the potential avenues for resolution available. Likewise, your client will likely appreciate your thorough efforts to resolve the issue.

While troublesome neighborhoods can bring down an optimistic mood when listing a property, sometimes being real estate is all about being resourceful. With diligence, digging, and a little follow-up, you just may be able to resolve some of the issues plaguing your neighborly plot.

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LISA SPRUTE Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Lisa Sprute services Snohomish county as well as the eastern side of King county in Washington state.

Lisa Sprute loves working with people.

It’s her favorite part of real estate. “I love connecting with people,” says Lisa. “I like helping them realize their dream of homeownership. My tagline is ‘Making 10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

real estate dreams real,’ and that is truly what I love to do. A lot of people think they can’t ever buy a home, or they can’t afford it. But once they get into it, I love to help them see that it’s actually possible.”

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Lisa has been a top agent for the past fourteen years. She services Snohomish county as well as the eastern side of King county in Washington state. She prides herself on the experience and knowledge that her decade and a half in the business has granted her. “You have to be in the market constantly to Top Agent Magazine

actually understand what’s happening,” she says in regard to her full-time status as an agent. “If you’re just doing a few a year, the market shifts so rapidly that you don’t always know it’s shifted.”

Her well-informed approach makes a big impression on her clients. “Lisa is 11 Copyright Top Agent Magazine

“My goal is to help 100+ people a year make their real estate dreams real. In order to do that volume, I need a team. I am working on building a small dream team!” great. She was always available to us, very quick in her responses, and went above and beyond as an agent. I highly recommend her! She was always prepared with listings and stayed to the finish,” writes one in a Zillow review.

Another satisfied customer states, “My fiancé and I were looking for our first home, and we came across Lisa. She was very helpful and patient with us Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

throughout the entire process. She never tried to persuade us to go out of our budget or put in an offer we weren’t comfortable with. Reach out to her, you will not be disappointed.”

Lisa stays in touch with clients through a variety of mediums. She uses a touch program to send snail-mail for the first three years after closing. She keeps up Top Agent Magazine

with past customers via social media, and, during the holidays, has some fun. “I always do a pop-by with a pie during the winter holidays,” says Lisa.

She markets her listings online mostly via social media. In addition to a more classic video post, Lisa also creates a virtual tour. “It’s closer to a movie premiere,” she explains. “Then it’s all over the internet.”

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Lisa’s office is in Duvall, Washington.

“We’re right on Main Street,” she says.

Usually her office is always involved in community events. Unfortunately, due to limitations caused by the coronavirus, many of those events have been cancelled this year. Lisa doesn’t let that stop her. As a RE/MAX REALTOR®, Lisa gives a portion of every commission to RE/MAX’s Children’s Miracle Network, Copyright Top Agent Magazine 13

a program dedicated to supporting children’s hospitals. When she isn’t at work, Lisa loves spending time with her family, kids, and their three dogs.

Looking to the future, Lisa is excited to build a team and increase her yearly volume.

In 2020, Lisa will close on 40 properties.

However, she’s hungry to expand her real estate business. “My goal is to help 100+ people a year make their real estate dreams real. In order to do that volume, I need a team. I am working on building a small dream team!”

To learn more about Lisa Sprute, call 425-268-9367, email realestatedreams@outlook.com, visit lisasprute.com or facebook.com/lisaspruterealestate www.

www.

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Is Branding the Way to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

Despite the importance of finding a Realtor® that is the best person to serve their needs, a lot of people only end up interviewing one Realtor® when they’re thinking about buying or selling a home. A lot of times people make that decision based on a referral, but why not do everything you can to be the name they think of when they make the decision to hire a real estate professional outside of referrals? Especially if you’re starting out and haven’t built up any repeat and referral business yet.

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When you want to make your name synonymous with real estate transaction success, you might want to consider branding yourself. Personal branding, long a staple of Corporate America, is also an invaluable tool for those in the real estate industry as well. Understanding branding and being consistent about it, is one way to insure you’ll have a successful and long-lasting business. It’s up to you to make consumers think that their success in real estate is dependent on finding the perfect agent—YOU. 15

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS BRANDING? Branding is a long term marketing strategy that builds your carefully crafted image over time through consistent repetition. A common misperception about branding is that it’s is the same thing as marketing. While the two go hand and hand in many ways, branding is specifically about creating and reinforcing the perception of not only who you are as a person, but what your business values are, and getting that out to the world in a consistent way Everything from your logo, to your website

to your social media presence, should all line up and reinforce your brand. It’s that repetitiveness that will hammer home the perception you are trying to create. Your brand informs your marketing, while your marketing strengthens your brand. Of course then you have to do is make sure your service lives up to what you’re selling. Getting them in the door is one thing, but you’re in it for lifetime customers and referrals.

Every brand is strengthened when it is built on a foundation of integrity and trust.

CREATING A BRAND Although it might take time and money upfront to get it right, branding is almost guaranteed to pay off in the long run. But branding is more than just having a graphic designer come in and make a logo. Consider branding more of a promise to your clients and potential clients, succinctly stating the value and expertise working with you will afford them. There are clear, tried and true methods to creating your branding. Because you have to go all in on the way you want to brand yourself, it’s important to evaluate fully before you make the leap.

This all starts with an honest assessment of your business and where you want it to go, including how much time and money you’re willing to invest to get there. After that you may want to add focusing on a niche market to your branding. Regardless of whether or 16

not you have a niche, another important part of branding is coming up with a memorable tagline that sells your brand or niche. All of your graphics, picture and information, should be consistent across all social media platforms, marketing materials, advertising and websites.

If you are interested in branding yourself, there are numerous books on the subject that will give you an in-depth tutorial on the process and the steps you need to take.

But what it basically all comes down to is commitment. Find a brand that is true to you, one that you can commit to performing and then back it up by not only meeting, but exceeding what you promised.

If done right, soon you’ll become an in-demand agent whose name is synonymous with success!

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Embracing Smart Homes:

Does New Technology Really Increase Home Value?

Technology and innovation move at a lightning-fast clip, so it can be hard to keep up with all the smart-home trends sweeping the market at a given time. From smart thermostats to security systems accessed through an app on your phone—there are endless options to customize and update your home for the modern era. But which, if any, of these smart home products add 18

value to property in a significant, worthwhile capacity? Especially with new generations of the same products released in quick succession, it can be hard to determine whether it’s worth it to take the plunge. With that in mind, we’ve conducted a deep-dive into the smart home options out there that make the most sense for your bottom line and real estate investments.

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Smart home amenities range in price and return.

There are certain smart home products that won’t break the bank while still adding lovely touches and time-saving features to your space. For instance, a smart thermostat may not run more than a few hundred dollars, but it can take so much of the guesswork and analog nuisance out of programming your home’s internal environment. That said, buyers selling properties with mid-range amenities like this can’t expect a windfall in return. While smart home features can certainly lure buyers and give the sense that a home is attractively modern (and thus move-in ready), it doesn’t mean that you’ll be reaping a sizable monetary reward for your foresight. Conversely, this reality doesn’t mean those smart options

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are without value entirely; it just means that the value of smart home options may be apparent in a different capacity, like luring a particular buyer or creating a desirable, sleek image for a property headed to market.

On the other hand, larger scale smart home amenities that are being left behind for the buyer—like a smart refrigerator or wired sound throughout the property—may be able to lure particular buyers who value high-end details. While it can be difficult to state definitively the value of smart home options, the rule tends to be that the more you put in, the higher the likelihood you’ll reap the investment you sow. Focus your smart home options on home appliances first, then work your way toward security, thermostat, and entertainment options.

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Smart home amenities capture the attention of buyers

Agents must know how to pitch the value of smart home options

Even if you have mostly opted for small or mid-range smart home options, you can still benefit from their presence in a property—even if they don’t inflate your bottom line as a result. Smart home amenities have the power to focus the attention of buyers, sending a clear signal that the previous owners were tech-forward and made an effort to upgrade the property for the contemporary era. Millennial or Gen Z buyers especially value these up-to-date modifications, and the presence of these desirable gadgets can create added interest and drive up value naturally. Likewise, featuring these options in listing photography can also drive interest from younger or high-end buyers looking for move-in ready spaces.

Remember that smart home features are relatively fresh to the market. While some new construction properties are equipped with these smart amenities, just as many homes on the market don’t offer these upgrades and modern flairs. This means that many buyers, of all ages even, aren’t familiar with the benefits and perks of these options, let alone how they’re operated. Before you can derive value from a smart home or smart home features, you’ll need to understand a product’s proper usage, cost, and benefits. Do your homework regarding what smart home features can offer in terms time or cost savings, and be able to show prospective buyers how easy these objects are to use, as well. Do both, and you’ll be in proper command of what smart home features can offer buyers and pitch them accordingly.

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ERICA TUDELA Erica Tudela grew up in a real estate family so it was no surprise when she organically progressed into working as a real estate agent. With her love for homes and passion for helping people, it turned out to be the perfect path. She’s been in the business for six years now and works as a solo REALTOR® at Infinity Real Estate, serving clients throughout Washington State, specifically in the Kitsap County area.

As a dedicated agent, Erica puts client satisfaction above everything else. This approach has allowed her to build a business that’s heavily made up of repeat and referral clients. “I’m very transparent in my work with my clients, I care about their overall outcome. It’s important for me to be up front about what is to be expected during the process, while guiding them through and giving solutions if we run into an issue. It fuels my passion for the business when my clients affirm their satisfaction,” she says.

Social media has changed the way many industries operate, and as an innovative, forward-thinking agent Erica has embraced technology in all areas of her business. By utilizing social media she stays connected with clients as well as pinpoint marketing her brand and listings. Her self-published planner and energy keeps Erica on track to meet her goals in sales volume every year.

Through Erica’s hard work and efforts to realign focus and growth, another business has come to fruition. She actively runs the creation and publication of a quarterly planner for real estate agents, the Brainy Broker planner. The demand for increased production has surpassed her wildest expectations. “I created this planner for myself out of my own need when I was going through a hard time after giving birth to my son. I needed to be more intentional with my time than ever before. This planner is a tremendous help for me and keeping my business on track. Since I made it available to fellow agents around the country, I receive a constant inflow of support and positivity, which has given me a new sense of perspective and pride to be able to help other agents succeed,” she says.

Going forward Erica is focused on the continued growth of her brand and businesses. Her next step is to create a team of like-minded agents, and one day down the line start her very own brokerage. “I have many amazing visions for the future of my business, and I’m excited to work on making them come true and being able to help people actualize their real estate goals.”

As much as she enjoys success, Erica’s favorite part of the job isn’t the amount of transactions she can get, but instead it’s the people she’s able to meet and facilitate their successes. Erica confides, “For me the best part of my work is the personal relationships I develop with clients. Having the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and be able to help them achieve their ideal outcome is an unbelievable feeling.”

To learn more about Erica Tudela please call (360) 621–8698 email erica@infinityrewa.com, or visit brainybrokerplanner.com www.

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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.

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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 Top Agent Magazine

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 Top Agent Magazine

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.

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