Stay Sharp: A Real Estate Professional’s Guide to Beating Complacency

Why does “Complacency” creep in so easily in the lives of Real Estate Professionals? Most of you already know the answer; it is because you are your “Own Boss;” so, if you don’t feel like it, no one can force you to get to it and get it done. Being an Entrepreneur is both an Amazing Blessing, but demons lurk in the waters and turn it into an Unbearable Curse at times.

Let’s define it: Complacency is a state of Self-Satisfaction and Contentment with the current Status Quo, often accompanied by a Lack of Awareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. In the competitive and dynamic fields of Real Estate, complacency manifests as a Significant Barrier to ongoing success and growth. Let us look at some of the Symptoms and then put together Remedies to overcome it.

Some Symptoms: Lack of Enthusiasm; Stagnation in Performance; Decreased Motivation; Ignoring Goal Setting; Relying on Past Achievements; Resistance to Change; Neglecting Personal Development; Thinking you have all the Answers; Inconsistent Time Blocking; Erratic Morning Routines; Lack of Prioritization of Tasks; Reduced Client Engagement; Overconfidence; Ignoring Potential Industry Threats; Neglecting Market Research; Isolation from Peers; Lack of Initiative; Not Attending Mindset Training; Reluctance to Adapt; and Lack of Accountability.

 Some Remedies for the Insidious Affliction of Complacency:

Think Long Term: There isn’t a Magic Pill that will cure your ills; but establishing Daily Routines and Habits is the Way to Re-Motivate yourself. Know that you have in you all the Courage, Desire, and Motivation to take on Complacency. Some ask, what Long-Term is? It takes 8 to 12 Weeks for Good Habits to take hold, so work this plan with that in Mind.

Create a Healthy Morning Routine devoid of Work: There so many ways: “Meditate for 10 minutes before Work.” “Send an Encouraging Text to someone you Know.” “Select a Good Business Book and read 10 minutes each morning.” PS: I recommend: “The Morning Miracle for Real Estate Agents” by Hal Elrod. “Twice a week go for a 10mn Walk.” “Write Affirmations.”

Set yourself a Small Challenge a Week: It could be a simple as: “Re-Read your Bio and improve it.” “Comment Positively on a Social Media Post.” “Update your Picture in the MLS.” “Attend Office Meeting.” “Check recent MLS Activity in your Neighborhood.” “Hold an Open House.” “Create a Market Report for your Farm Area.”

Embrace Change: Collaboration with other Professionals can help quite a bit. If you have the humility of “Not having all the answers” you would engage Business Colleagues and get their insights on Industry Changes; Incorporating AI in your Business Procedures; Learning New ways of making Buyer Presentations; Participating in Networking Events to Boost your Appointments; but more importantly realizing that others are embracing changes in the industry and are Adapting.

Download Your Mind: This sounds like a weird Matrix Exercise, but I simply mean that once a week, say on a Friday Afternoon or Saturday Monday, sit a run the tape of the week that was and write down the Challenges, the Accomplishments, the Incompletions, the Frustrations, and the Insights. This will help you prepare for the week to come with more Structure, Clarity, and a sense of Purpose.

Get a Success Partner: Some call it an Accountability Partner, some call it a buddy, it is simply another Entrepreneur who is motivated to do well with whom you exchange Ideas, Goals, and you keep each other on track to keep doing Good Work. You have to commit to supporting them as well -- it needs to be a win-win for all.

Consider a Coach: If you need more structure you may want to consider a Personal Coach. Let me elaborate: A Coach is NOT a Therapist; A Coach wants to know where you are professionally; what your Desired Goals are; and they lay a plan of Action for you to Get there, and in doing so reveal the Barriers to Success and help you Break them. It is not comfortable work, but the Good ones are very effective.

☐  3 Questions that will help you trigger the Feeling of being Empowered:

1.       Can I Do it?

2.       Will it Work for me?

3.       Is it Worth it?

A Yes to these 3 Questions means you are on track; you may not have all the answers; you may not know everything about the project you are working on; but you have resolved to make it work for you.

You will know you are combating Complacency effectively when you start to see some of these traits in yourself: Proactive; Driven; Ambitious; Resilient; Continuous Learner; Motivated; Persistent; Goal-Oriented; Focused; Diligent; Adaptable; Energetic; Committed; and Passionate.

Some Book Recommendations and Affirmations examples below Graphic:

Don't Settle for the Comfort of Mediocrity; Ignite your Passion for Growth. It is your Relentless Pursuit of Excellence that transforms “Your Potential” into Actual Success!

Books to Consider: Besides “The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents” by Hal Elrod I mentioned earlier; look into: “The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy; "Atomic Habits” by James Clear; “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth; “Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek; and “No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline” by Brian Tracy.

Reflect on these Affirmations and feel free to write a few of your own:

"I am Committed to constant Growth and Improvement."

"I Embrace challenges as Opportunities to Learn and Grow."

"I am Proactive in my Pursuit of Success."

"I Refuse to settle for Mediocrity."

"I Thrive Outside of my Comfort Zone."

Author: Key Yessaad is a Seasoned Real Estate Strategist and Coach with over 20 years of industry experience; Key is renowned for his unwavering commitment to Accountability and Empowerment. Specializing in Listings' Strategy and Production Coaching, Key offers 2 transformative programs: “All-Day In-Person Strategy Workshops” and “Immersive 3-Month Boot-Camp Trainings.” Through a lens of Self-Discipline, Key guides brokers and agents to master Essential Skills - from Time-Blocking to Getting Listings and Sales Conversion. With his mentorship, unlocking your full potential and attaining greatness in your career isn't just a goal – it is a Tangible Reality, backed by actionable steps and unwavering support.

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