Recognizing
that something is "off" is a huge first step. As Real Estate professionals,
we don't have the "off" luxury if we want to prospect for and serve
our clients well. For me, I have to find ways to make the business "fun again" when I'm feeling
that way. That generally involves a series of deliberate steps...
1. Take
a break; plan a trip or just get away from it all for a bit (& try to
unplug too)
2. Bring
on a few ideas; seminars, conventions or even brainstorming with other like
minded people can get the creative juices going again.
3. Read
something that gets you excited. I know I'm a huge fan of Gary Vaynerchuk’s books (The Thank youEconomy and Crush it!) but listening & re-listening to them gets me pumped
up about where technology & alternative marketing can help us take our
business.
4. Identifying
what parts of the business are troublesome and causing the burnt out feelings. This needs to be part of the
process, or you'll be right back in the same spot in 90 days. The problem with
this is that until you have taken some time off and your head is in a different
place, you may not have the perspective to look back and accurately define
those areas.
5. Ask yourself what really matters.
Connect back to the elements of the business that attracted you in the first
place. Like putting on an old favorite jacket on the first cool fall day, you
may rapidly find yourself falling back in love with your career; this is the
"what's old is new again" principle. Perhaps it's as simple as a
having a corkboard wall with photos & testimonials from the people that
have helped buy and sell homes over the years.
6. Find a "bitch" buddy. What
I mean by that is that my business partner Kathy and I vent to each other
constantly. Saying what's bothering you out loud to another human being who
understands you can be very therapeutic. Somehow, saying it goes a long way in
getting it off your chest and begins to allow you to resolve the situation or
move on. It makes me a better person and keeps the ugly stuff from taking over.
7. Keep putting good stuff in. I
absolutely love Rory Vaden’s book “Take
the Stairs"…I’m just finishing it and find that it takes me to good
places. Finding inspiration could be as simple as a walk in the park, playing
catch with child, attending weekend services, hearing some great music, going
to the museum or even going to a comedy club or reading a good book. Doing
something bigger than yourself or the career somehow grounds us again and helps
to keep it all in perspective.
One
of the first sayings that I was exposed to as a young business person was
"if it's going to be, it's up to me". I still keep that on my
bathroom mirror so it is one of the first things that I see each new day. It
reminds me that I control my life and my destiny and that no matter what comes
my way, I’ll be just fine.
