I'm a few months past my first anniversary, but I figured since we are starting off a new year I need a personal moment of reflection and then share. Whether you are in real estate, a stay at home mom, a chemical engineer or a dog groomer, this could apply to anyone who finds themselves on a roller coaster. We've all been there.
Before making grand resolutions to get my blood pumping for a fresh start to achieve goals, I'd like to first reflect on where I failed, where I succeeded and what I learned, so that I'm being realistic about what I need to arm myself with to get where I want to go.
So, In no particular order, here is what caught my attention when I looked back.
1. If you don't stick to it, it will eventually stop.
Nothing on this planet moves without force. The first part of last year I had extreme ambition driven by someone making a comment that I probably shouldn't be getting into real estate. Like it was some part of the world I didn't belong working in. I like to think anyone can do anything they want, but some have to work at things a little harder than others. Sometimes we have to adjust our technique to fit our talents, but in the end, we really can do what ever we want, if we just WORK hard for it, be passionate about it, and stick to it.
2. You need to always learn.
Of course when you start out in any field, you need to learn about that field. But, when you feel you have mastered it, start over. I guarantee you you missed something the first time, someone came up with a better idea, or your perspective has changed. Either way, you will always learn something new, regardless of how long you've been at it. And in Real Estate, you don't just learn about real estate...you learn about people. Learn to stop talking, and listen.
3. I do more than sell houses.
I learned very early on that I am not just selling houses. I'm not sitting on this listing appointment to learn about their house or just showing this buyer a home they might like...I'm here to find out what this process is going to do for their life. Are they in a hurry because they are moving out of state? Do they need to buy a new house so they can start a family? Do they need something that is going to keep their budget free so they can focus on other things? There is a story there that you really need to pay attention to. This is also why I never will in a million years set a client up on an auto generated email of listings. Get more personal!
4. Always have attention to detail.
Nothing sucks worse than having someone point out a silly error. Granted in the first year of doing anything there are going to be mistakes. But as my father always said, "Accidents don't have to happen." and they really don't. Mistakes in real estate, most often end up in someone shelling out money they didn't have to. Check and recheck, before you send the contract, before you snap a picture of someone's bra hanging on the door, before you promise something you can't deliver. Pay attention.
5. I need a posse.
Successful people NEVER get there alone. It just doesn't happen. I met some really good vendors and clients this year. Of course I'm always meeting new people who all share common interests and its great to build those relationships. It makes getting jobs done MUCH easier. But I'm really talking about my other posse, my family and friends. The parents that watch kids when we have to work weekends, the husband that does the after school run when I have a late closing, the family that sends me referrals, the friends that pour me a drink after a long day, and even the ones that just give us a hug or a smile. Gratitude is never given enough, give more gratitude.
6. Have a Plan.
When I was at my most driven moments of last year, I can always remember planning. Sitting with pen and paper in hand and doing a brain dump. What do I need to do? What is it going to take to do it? When can I do those things? List after list to stay on track. And then revert to #1.
7. Health dictates everything.
I struggle with constant fatigue. It ruins 90% of my plans. I've had all sorts of blood work and tests and nothing has been "diagnosed" I'm 100% certain that its all due to diet and exercise. When I feel crappy, I am no good to anyone. Body and Mind come first. The worst thing I did last year was not spend enough time on myself. My first and foremost resolution is to get up an hour before my kids do every morning so that I can set my system straight so I may conquer what I need to.
8. You can't win it all.
The first time I was turned down for a listing I was so hurt. I had just come off a major high from scoring a very big estate. My listing presentation knocked it out of the park. I was floating around on some sort of magic carpet of confidence that I thought "I'm the best real estate agent ever!" And my next listing appointment pulled the rug right out from under me. For the next week, I stalked the listing and would bark about mistakes in the listing to my husband. It was pathetic. But then it sold in like 6 days. It took a really big effort to sit up and say they probably got the best agent they needed. I swallowed my pride and learned a BIG lesson. Sometimes, just sometimes, its not all about me.
I really needed this moment of reflection. I took the last few months off to deal with another business, completely remodel a house my family of 5 lived in, and enjoy the holidays. I think reflection is the first step to personal growth. I feel many steps closer to getting where I need to be.
