Summer 2019 President’s Perspective

“Nil Admirari.” This is my favorite Latin phrase. It means, “to be surprised by nothing.” This sign hangs in my office. For the past six years, I’ve looked at this sign almost every day and it has acted as a constant reminder to not be surprised by anything. Originally, what that meant was to always be prepared. Always go the extra mile and give 110 percent so that I’m never caught off guard and surprised. It worked, but it was exhausting. What I realized was, for some reason, I was connecting the fear of the unknown with allowing myself to be surprised. One day, I decided to accept it. That was the game changer for me. I started to positively impact all my surroundings, like my family, friends, team, clients and my community. Now, instead of looking to my left or right or my rearview mirror, I’m focused only on what’s in front of me. Today, “to be surprised by nothing” has a new meaning. It means acceptance. It means nothing can surprise me because I have accepted that ANYTHING is possible and EVERYTHING is possible. So today I empower you to live those words and have an “I’m not surprised” attitude! When something great happens, don’t be surprised — you’ve earned it. When things don’t go your way, don’t be surprised — get back up and try it again, now that you know what needs to be done to get what you want. Surround yourself with these people and project this onto the universe. Nil Admirari. Be surprised by nothing because anything and everything is possible. Best, TOMMY CHOI 2018-2019 President Chicago Association of REALTORS®