This week’s headlines were filled with more economic bad news. But, did you see the good news buried underneath, or did the bad news “noise” drown it out? Did you see the news that landlords are raising rents in many cities across the country? In some areas, vacancy rates are below 4 percent. The next logical scenario is that, in those neighborhoods, the increased rents will encourage some renters to become buyers, due to low mortgage rates. The buyers will purchase the existing inventory, which will cause increased demand, which may cause builders to get back to the business of constructing homes.

Last week’s blog focused on “Green Shoots” in Seattle. There are many “Green Shoots” throughout the country, and yes, there is, and always will be bad news, as well. If we focus solely on the bad news, our emotions tend to get the best of us, and we tend to make decisions that aren’t aligned with our long-term objectives. The same is true if we get caught up in euphoria. Our best decisions tend to be made when we are able to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of a situation, and how that situation relates to our goals. If we are basing our decisions on bad news-or even good news-in a vacuum, we may be getting in the way of obtaining the best results for ourselves.

We can develop systems to help us filter through the daily “noise.” Questions such as: “How does this impact my situation, short and long-term?” “Will this piece of information help me achieve my goals?” “Is this information presented to a general audience, or does this speak to me, specifically?” If we continue to filter the news through our series of questions, sometimes the news has less impact on us, and those we care about.

Review your life, and all of your accomplishments. Were you at your best when you listened to everyone else, or when you were very focused on your own goals? When you needed to lose weight, did you go on one diet after the next, just to replace it with the next latest fad? Or, did you settle into a eating plan that worked, long-term? What about your financial situation? Are you following today’s “guru” or do you have a long-term financial roadmap? Today, I encourage you to reflect on your life goals, and seek out a system that will work for you and your long-term objectives. Granted, it isn’t easy to do-especially in our complex and ever-changing world. No, it isn’t easy, but it can be simple.

- Written by Lori