When the going gets tough, do you get going, or flattened? This month, I’m focused on motivation. Why? Because we blithely go into real estate usually completely under-estimating the knocks we’ll take as new agents. And, when we get those knocks, most of us easily get knocked down .It’s been never more important, too, to get your ‘inspiration props’ in place to shore up your attitude when things don’t go just right.
It’s Different Than We Thought it Would Be….
I just got back from a reunion with my sorority sisters….no, don’t ask the number of years since I graduated from college. Let’s just say it’s more than a few! I thought it then and I think it now: I was really lucky to pledge the DG (Delta Gamma) sorority at the University of Oregon. (Especially because I told the college alumni magazine shortly before I started college that I didn’t intend to join a sorority–and threw in several outspoken comments about it, too! Any of you that know me know that I’ve never been afraid to express my opinion……).
The girls I knew and regarded as accomplished so many years ago have attained wonderful things in a wide variety of areas. One, though, stands out to me. How many of you reading this intended to do exactly what you’re doing as a little child or teenager? Probably not many. The woman I’m going to introduce you to started as a music major, as did I. She graduated to a teaching career, and took the opportunity to work with educating children through a religious organization all over the world. She shared with me her trials, tribulations, and adventures, I thought, how inspiring, how gifting, how critical her contributions are to the less fortunate. She truly inspired me, and started me asking myself, “What inspires others?” What do you use to ‘get you up’ when the going gets tough?
Your ‘Inspiration Props’ Every one of us needs ‘props’–those things and people that provide impetus, motivation, and inspiration when the going gets tough. My observation is that, the more successful the person, the more apt that person is to have gained several ‘props’:
- People they can count on that will remind them of their uniqueness (includes your manager, your family, your co-workers, your friends)
- Inspirational quotes (keep a notebook with your favorites)
- Inspirational books (re-read your favorites frequently)
- Inspirational CDs and DVDs
Your Inspirational List Do you have your arsenal of inspiration? Are you careful to read and put yourself around positive, inspirational people, people who encourage, not discourage you? In Up and Running in Real Estate, I advise new agents to keep a journal of inspiring sayings and stories. Where does your inspiration come from? Start building your ‘inspiration fortress’ now to help achieve your lofty goals. The bonus: You may become the one regarded ‘most inspirational’ by your peers–what an honor! (and, your inspiration won’t be hidden, it will be shared!).
A Training Experience with Motivation Built In
From training thousands of agents and managers, I know the importance of motivation and inspiration in action-based training (the only kind of training that works!). So, I built lots of motivation and inspiration into Up and Running in Real Estate. Why not give yourself the gift of a great start–or re-start–in the business? Check it out now.
