Bill France was an amazing man. Full of talent, dreams and always ready to encourage others. He moved to Daytona Beach during the depression with just $100. in his pocket and a dream of racing.
Years ago I read a message that Bill France, Sr. wrote to a friend. It's a quote that I use to guide me in life
as well as run my company.
The quote :
"On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of millions who when within the grasp of victory sat and waited and waiting died." - Bill France Sr.
Those words have made me NOT wait. Not wait to start a family, not wait to take a chance, not wait until I had the money, not wait to change my life or my direction, just NOT WAIT!
I was 26 years old and a single mother when I started in real estate. I left a job that had become non challenging and uninteresting to me. And I started at the very bottom. I became a secretary (and I was well over qualified for the position). I took night classes and sometimes even carried my 3 year old daughter with me with a coloring book and a box of crayons) to class. I got my license in 1994. I had my first closing just two months later. In 1995 my broker told me of his intentions to retire and sell his company. I didn't want just ANY boss. So I went in debt up my eyeballs and purchased Lane Realty. In 1997 on the very first day I legally qualified to sit for my state broker exam I took it and aced it. I loved being in control of my own life and destiny. I loved the freedom of being able to schedule work around the important things in my daughter's life... dance recitals, softball games, prom day, birthdays. Besides I also had the ability to take her to work. She has seen MANY houses on Lake Sinclair and at about 7 years old she started answering the phone and taking messages and working in my office. I've raised a great kid with an excellent work ethic.
I didn't hesitate to give away my heart when I met my soul mate either. In 1998 I met my husband. 4 years later we married. And I didn't hesitate in making his family become part of my family. I didn't try to get their approval I just assumed I had it and became part of his family instantly.
I didn't hesitate when his youngest son, who has MD, asked to move into our house. I accepted him as my own, invited the challenges and moved forward. A few years after than when the diagnosis of schizophrenia came I handled that too.
I didn't hesitate to go further into debt to build a new office 5 years ago when the media was telling all of us the "bubble" was going to burst anytime. I have NOT missed a mortgage payment yet.
I walk with the LORD beside me and faith feeds the hungry and clothes the cold.
- I didn't hesitate to move into new technology and the internet with my advertising 14 years ago.
- I don't hesitate to change to my schedule to work with buyers.
- I don't hesitate to tell sellers the facts and not what I think they want to hear.
- I don't hesitate to take the day off to be with my family when needed.
At the end of my life (even if that were to happen to be today) I would leave this world knowing several things.
- Jesus is my savior and I'm going to sit face to face with God.
- I am proud of my daughter
- My parents taught me how to love unconditionally and I was blessed when God placed me in their care.
- My husband is the love of my life and I'm truly blessed we found one another.
- God allowed me a hand in raising two children that I didn't give birth to, but am blessed to know and love.
So without knowing how many lives he would touch by that message Bill France, Sr. jotted down on the back of a business card when he was encouraging one of his friends he changed the world. He changed me and every life I touch and so on and so on.
Don't hesitate! Jump in with both feet, go for it. Don't wait and die waiting.
706-485-9668
(Click on Lane Realty Logo for web site)
Tammy Lankford, Broker/Owner
Broker License # 169695 Lane Realty License # H-11420
Call me today for all your Lake Sinclair real estate needs.
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I agree! :)
Tammy, your post and your story are an inspiration to me!
Tammy ~ I loved your words, true words of wisdom. Many people unfortunately spend their entire life hesitating.
Such inspirational words, Tammy - thank you (and thank you to Bill France!)
Tammy, what a wonderful inspirational and motivational post! Thanks for sharing - Suggested!
When there are a lot of homes on the market the emotion is what carries the day.
Laura- we can't ever get back lost time
Sharon- Passing along the inspiration I got from Bill France was my goal, your words make me very happy
Dawn- that is so true. And I look back and see the moments where I considered that choice and then leaped forward
Karen- I am very happy you thanked Bill France. Passing along His inspiration was my intent.
Thanks Christine.
Tim- you comment leaves me a bit confused. what properties??
I'm glad you didn't hesitate to share these thoughts yourself. They are excellent advice. Wish I had heard them early in my life.
BTW....I really like the name for your blog "all about" Lake Sinclair......suggesting both geographic emphasis and wider-ranging content.
Tammy, what a very powerful post you have written. The message is loud and clear, thank you! You have certainly shown by example, lived the quote, lived a wonderful life!!!!
Tammy, have a wonderful day!!!!
That's a post I will think about off and on today. No regrets and full steam ahead is what I get from it. Cool!
Very powerful stuff Tammy. I love hearing your stories and how you got into real estate. I wish you the very best in 2012.
Cal
Hi Tammie- Love your story and so true about hesitation. We must move forward with confidence and the will to succeed. And when we do, without hesitation, the world opens up to us in so many wonderful ways. :0)
Tammy, Great story! That quote sums up your philosophy pretty well :) Go for it when the opportunity is present.
Tammy, what a powerful story, and an inspiration for all of us to NOT hesitate! Your strong faith is clearly evident!
Tammy...
This brought tears to my eyes. It was so heartfelt and inspirational. God bless you and I wish you continued success and happiness!
Amen, Tammy. It takes a lot of boldness to see what you want and take the necessary steps to get it. Congratulations for an engaging life!
Jim- There are many moments I could have been shut down by fear of the unknown, or even fear of repeat failure. But somehow the image of my bones piled among other bones of scared people kept me moving. And it's sneaking ever toward the half century mark that I've called Putnam County and Lake Sinclair home.. Never thought of my title in just that way before. I hope consumers minds work like yours.
Andrea- I do feel like I'm living a wonderful life. Even on the worst of days.
Cheryl- that's the message I was sending.
Cal- many people would call how I got into it an accident, I choose to call it fate.
Martha- my life has opened into many wonderful things.
Bliz- and if you don't "see" a way, make one.
Melissa- I have my days now and again, but I always find my faith and get back on track pretty quickly.
Thank you Richard.
Mike- you made me remember a few of the things I've done to "move toward" what I wanted. Made me giggle.
Tammy, hesitation is not a word in your dictionary of life. Great inspirational story a great quote by Bill France, Sr.
Tammy - The older I get the less I hesitate, but occassionally their I times that I still do.
Powerful post Tammy! Its that hesitation that makes us stop and talk ourselves out of the plans that God has for us. Your business, love of life and family has show what living without that hesitation can do.
Carpe diem! Nobody every got ahead waiting for life to hand them things. The winners, leaders, victors in life always got what they got by going after it.
That is AWESOME for this morning Tammy! Thank you so much for the inspiration for today! You have renewed my faith to not hesistate, well...God does that, but with your words this morning, it's confirmation for me!! Awesome!!
Michael- I try for it not to be.
Michelle- sometimes it's our little inner voice saying we should slow down. I'm not suggesting there are not times when hesitation is indeed the right thing, just that it's not the way to live a life.
Carol- yes it can be. And God has given me a way back for ever single bump in the road I have encountered.
Bryan- your comment made me smile. Thanks.
Brenda- sometimes we all need that little nudge to take the path God provides. Have a great Valentine's Day.
i think it's incredible that you didn't let fear hinder you from making any of these choices in your life and it's all paid off. that doesn't mean that every day has been easy, or that every single day came without trials, but it was obviously all worth it. i think the bad days are the fears that scare people the most.
This is my favorite AR post ever. This is exactly how I want to live my life!! Your post reminds me that the only thing standing in my way of achieving this life is within my reach and within my control. Jesus is my Lord and Savior too and if that is number one, the other things will fall into place if you go get them and pursue them with faith!!
I am with you on all your points! And...have folowed the same ideas for 'most" of my decisions ;-)
That's great Tammy - inspirational!
Hi Tammy, This is an excellent post. Thank you for sharing the Bill France quote with us! I learned something about Bill France today that I didn't know. I appreciate you sharing your success while not waiting for circumstances to be "right". Congratulations on the feature!
Great post Tammy...already been said but it IS very inspirational!
That was a great post. Truly inspirational! I am also a single mother and bring my daughter with me occasionally. It is great to hear that someone else did that too. Tha
Really taking this to heart. Thank you Tammy. What a wonderful testimony!
Tammy, some of the things I've been going thru and will be going thru pretty soon make this blog speak volumes to me. Thank you.
Great testimony Tammie. I admire your courage and motivation to move forward and accomplish your goals.
Yikes !!! Tammy, yours is an amazing testimonial to faith and a positive spirit. You are also touching lives here in the 'Rain !!!
Tammie~~ You are certainly blessed to be surrounded by so much love and accomplishment in your life. Some sit around and wait and complain about everything. Motivation comes from within and the sparks that ignite it for each of us are different. Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
This is such a great post, Tammy. Thank you for sharing it! The hardest part of any journey or decision is the first step. I am so impressed at how you took not only the first step, but all the steps afterward purposefully and without fear. It is so nice to read these types of stories because they inspire the rest of us to share and step purposefully too!
Nice post Tammie! Appreciate the motivation words!
This was awesome, Tammy! I strive to do the same no matter the cost. Sometimes some things take my husband a little nudging though. Thanks for the post.
Well said and well lived on your end! Thanks for sharing both the inspiring quote and the fire it lit under you. Those who wait tend to see the world go by and wonder where it went and why it left them behind. I like your approach much better - no surprises you've been as successful as you have.
I'll be back to answer all your comments this evening. Right now my Valentine is going to take me to dinner. LOVE LOVE LOVE my Donald!
Tammy:
Your life story is heart tugging. The fact that you read Bill France's statement and took it to heart is inspiring. Good luck to you and keep doing what you have been doing. It has worked for you.
Tammy, this is beautiful. I can't say that I never hesitate but I do step out in faith when I believe God is leading me somewhere.
Tammy- I love your attitude. I'm not always the one to jump in but I do believe there are times you just have to take the plunge. You sound to me like a person with great resolve and a strong character.
Great job Tammy. Life is about taking risks and jumping in with two feet, no net.
Just Do It. Thanks for the inspiration.
Tammy, you have written a blockbuster of a post. Bill France built an empire in Daytona, and you haven't do so badly for yourself up in Lake Sinclair. Bill's quote reminds me of Henry Ford's "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right." Don't hesitate - just do it! Your sister in the Lord, Sharon
I liked it so much, Tammy that I had to reblog it so I would never lose it. Thank you for one of the most inspirational posts I have read in a long time.
Tammie -- Bill France had it right. He who hesitates is lost. I used to spend a lot of time in Daytona and learned a lot about Bill and his rise from nothing with that $100 bucks to being the inspiration for the building of the Daytona Speedway and Talladega. You don't reach those accomplishments by sitting around and waiting.
Tammy, your story is very inspiring. It forced me to ask myself "What am I waiting for?" when it comes to my business. Not surprisingly, my answers didn't hold water. So thanks for the (virtual) kick in the butt. :o)
Wonderful post and a reminder that the few times I've hesitated, I regretted it. This is so much our theory but have never been able to voice is as eloquently as your Mr France.
Hi Tammy, What a great story...perfect for Valentine's day. It took a lot of courage to buy your own company at such a young age.Well done ,and congrats on the feature
What a story, Tammy. We've all had our challenges but you really made up your mind to pull through. I was especially impressed by how you went into major debt to buy your real estate office after only 1 year in the business.
Tammy,
Waiting just causes you to wonder what might have happened!
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
This is a very inspirational post Tammy, and so are you. Thanks for sharing.
What a fun way to live. Others would see it as dangerous, but those are the ones who miss out...on the fun.
Tammy - What an amazing way to live life. And, what a terrific life you've built for yourself as a result of it.
Bravo Tammy, it's important to go after those things that are important to us- why wait? let just get on with it!
Tammy, so glad I went through recent blog posts and found this one! The quote is fantastic. Your energy and commitment to not hesitate is what Anne (of Green Gables fame) demonstrated as a role model. Soooo good to be back in The Rain and reading your post. Just read the quote to my husband and he wants me to forward it to him.