Real estate is a complicated business. New technology is constantly being introduced and we are doing more tasks and activities than ever before. Then there are the different selling strategies and training techniques, scripts and dialogues, changing markets, and new rules and regulations that you need to wrap your head around. This is all before we start stressing about the business constantly being disrupted by new models, worry about the state of the market and how the coronavirus is going to affect things.
We are all dealing with stressors on a daily basis and it can mean we are not performing at our best or even enjoying our lives.
To counteract all of this, I have come up with a few simple ways to avoid stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed:
A System
I am putting this right at the top as I believe it’s the most important. You need to invest in yourself by picking a training system and sticking to it. The problem doing a seminar here and listening to a keynote speaker there is that it can be very contradictory. One trainer says do ‘this’, the other coach says do ‘that’ and before you know it, you are going around in circles. You need to research coaches and training systems, pick one and stick to it. This will keep you focused on continually taking the next step and help you forget about everything else that is going on.
Look for something that gives your processes and procedures, checklists, plans and guidelines, but make sure it will work for you. In my opinion, if your coach or system is not personally created to suit your goals, aspirations, budget, experience, demographic, and does not include personal one-on-one mentoring, then you will probably continue to go around in circles. If you want to see if my methods and system could work for you come to my next Real Estate Brilliance seminar in your city.
Ask yourself what is the worst thing that can happen
One of the best sayings that I have heard is, “worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere”. Meaning that no matter how much you worry; it is never going to change the outcome.
I learnt a strategy early in my career about understanding where stress comes from. Stress is caused by the fear of something bad happening if something is not done or executed properly. An example of fear-related stress is when you are running late for an appointment. I always say to myself, “what is the worst thing that can happen?” If it’s not death then, oh well, I can probably live with that. Another example that is pertinent for real estate agents is stressing over whether or not you get a listing. Again, what is the worst thing that could happen? Well, you don’t get the listing. Will this kill you? No, it won’t, so stop stressing about it! All you need to focus on are the things that you can control.
The best way to take control is to prepare yourself by getting the best training, the best systems, and continually practise. If you are doing these three things, then you’re already doing more than most. Believe it or not, sellers and buyers can sense your worry or stress and they are already worried and stressed. They are looking for someone to take all of that worry and stress away from them and show confidence. So, if you are confident, not only will this help you cope, but will also help you win and receive more business.
Make A List
I know this seems like a trivial solution to stress and feelings of overwhelm, however it is certainly one of the best. A simple list can get all those thoughts, tasks, and activities out onto paper in front of you and give you the opportunity to prioritise. You should then apply the A, B, C, D rule (using the Eisenhower Matrix). This system allows you to recognise the activities that are more important and urgent than others, resulting in you being able to tear through them in the correct order.
Let’s have a closer look at this system:
A Tasks
These are the important and urgent tasks that need to be done first or else there will be consequences. An example of an A task can be a crisis that needs to be dealt with immediately, or perhaps a deadline for an ad that, if missed, can result in you missing the cycle.
B Tasks
These tasks are important but not urgent. For real estate agents, these are the High Dollar Productive Activities such as prospecting, listing, vendor management, negotiating, strategic planning meetings, and taking time off to nurture relationships. These tasks are not exactly urgent as in, they don’t need to happen right now, but they are very important and need to be planned for.
C Tasks
The urgent but less important tasks. These are usually distractions that happen during our day like an unexpected visitor, a phone call, an unscheduled meeting, and anything else that you could potentially delegate to someone else. It is, however, important to follow up on these delegated tasks to ensure they are being completed.
D Tasks
Neither urgent nor important. These are tasks that you shouldn’t be doing at all. These tasks are neither goal attracting nor have consequences. They include being distracted and procrastinating by surfing the internet, or any tasks that allow you to create an excuse so as to not have to deal with an important task.
If you are using these strategies and are continually feeling overwhelmed and emotional about your work, that is a clear sign of burnout. The best way to overcome burnout is to take a break or holiday, get away for a while and stop thinking about everything work related.
Real estate can be very demanding and has the potential to consume you if you do not take regular rests and time off. The key to performing at your best is to first take care of yourself. Plan plenty of rest and holidays as something to look forward to. Remember, we work to live, not live to work, so make sure you take care of yourself!
To find out how more about systems and managing yourself and your team, if you have one, make sure you register for my upcoming FREE half-day Real Estate Brilliance webinar by clicking on the button below.
