Master your craft....

I often tell new agents that they have to be students of their profession; stating that if you are a plumber, you should be "the best darn plumber you can be." 

I am in wonder of the discipline and that very same philosophy that is displayed in Chinese calligraphy.  This art form has over 50,000 characters and can take a lifetime to master.  Calligraphy was revered as a fine art long before painting in China.  And there are ancient texts that describe calligraphy in human terms, both physical and moral. There are descriptions of 'strong in backbone, but spare in flesh' depending simply upon the pressure of the stroke and the use of the ink.  Calligraphy is able to express the sense of wonder, the elemental power conveyed by the written word.  Yet, all many of us see is ink on a page.  It is up to the master to make his craft look effortless.

We have often met professionals outside of calligraphy who carry that same sense of awe for what they do.  They are passionate about their work and find some intrinsic beauty or satisfaction that the rest of us may not see.  It is with these professionals that we seek to do business.  We believe that their conviction for the sanctity of their craft will somehow protect the integrity of our dealings with them and that we will get the best possible service or product because of this commitment. 

In this modern day psuedo-society where much of our interests, concerns, and relationships are simple veneers of something much greater, I believe we should all endeavor to be the best versions of ourselves possible: in our homes, in our hearts, and in our vocations.  This begins with a simple commitment to excellence and then constantly searching and practicing to fulfill that promise. 

Will