The other day I was talking with a older person whose family was trying to get her to move. I found myself saying emphatically: "Don't do anything you don't want to. But DO everything that you want to." And when I was done, it felt good and right.
I thought about how this simplifies my business and my life:
I don't want to work with clients who are unpleasant to me or others…so I don't. Life is too short for that kind of aggravation.
I don't want to cut my commission (which would mean that I would have to cut my service)…so I don't. I get one of the highest full service commission rates in the area, and my clients know they get top value.
I don't want to drive buyers all over town looking at houses…so I don't. I work almost exclusively with sellers.
I don't want to ever regret choosing real estate…and I don't. Where else can you work with interesting people, help them reach an important life goal, and be part of a nation-wide community of professionals who become friends?
I DO want to be assured that my clients get the best possible service. That's why I answer my phone, make my own appointments, and am there for most showings.
I DO want to create referral business. That's why I use my experience in nursing to nurture clients and help them through the high-stress time of buying a home.
I DO want to help new agents, the ones who want to learn and stay in the profession for the long haul. That's why I mentor when I can and speak at new agents' training sessions.
I DO want to sleep well. That's why I don't cut corners or take shortcuts. They just are not worth it.
I DO want to spend time with my family and friends. That's why I carve out time when I am not available to clients, and never forget who is most important in my life.
And I DO want to keep growing and learning, even after 18 years in the business. That's why I keep taking courses, getting new designations like ACRE, and why I'm writing a book.
I can imagine some people shaking their heads and saying, "That sounds fine, but in business sometimes you have to do things you don't want to." No, you don't. There are always alternatives; you have to figure out what they are and then decide what you will do.
And then there are those who are thinking, "I want to DO those things, too, but the business is different here. I can't make it if I take time off for vacations or chasing people down to make appointments." That's your choice. Just consider what you may be missing by not spending the time with your family, or not giving yourself a rest. And, I actually save time and aggravation for my sellers by making my own appointments.
Like most basic principles in life, it's pretty simple. DO everything you want to, and DON'T do anything you don't want to.
Thanks for the great post Margaret.We can do just about anything we want to with our lives. The key is making the conscious decision to decide what is most important to us, and then having the discipline and persistence to keep doing it, every single day.
Bobby, You said it well.... "The key is making the conscious decision to decide what is most important to us, and then having the discipline and persistence to keep doing it, every single day."
Karen, Balance is one of the most important things to achieve and leads to all around happiness.
Doris, If you love what you do, you will do it better and it won't feel like work. Thanks for stopping by.
Margaret...you are right..I agreed to have an open house for a client who is ungrateful and unappreciative of my efforts, has an overpriced listing...and I don't see any point in the open house, because the price is the issue, and really don't want to do it.....I don't think I will..... Hummmmph!
Margaret, your Do's and Don'ts are EXCELLENT. Spoken like a true entrepreneur and business owner. I like your thriving and helping attitudes. I can tell you came from a nurturing background. You still carry that great strength with you. Bravo on an excellent post.
Margaret, there's a reason why I admire you so much! You amaze me every day! Life IS too short to do things we don't want to. I kind of live like that myself...who needs the headaches?
Margaret- Knowing the boundaries of what makes a good life for ourselves is important and the rewards tremendous. I am just starting that boundary journey and have already noticed I smile more!
Konnie, You have to stand up for what you believe. Who is running the show? If you went to a doctor, he would be telling you what to do not the other way around. You are the professional
Gary, You say the nicest things and I do believe that you remembered that one of my former careers was that of an RN.
Linda, You are so darn special. I just knew that you would "get" this post.
Martha, Keep those boundaries defined and keep smiling!
Margaret - It sounds like you've figured out how to be in control of your work/life balance. Good for you. It isn't an easy journey, but your successes can help others to see that we are capable of making choices that we can be happy and productive with. Best of luck with your continued success.
Margaret - I commend you for taking charge of your business and your life. It is something that we all need to consider and then make a plan for our business and stick to it.
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Very good blog. Sounds like you are a person of detail and character.