Goals can be a great thing, but when they become unbalanced and extreme they can be fraught with unintended consequences. In the field of real estate, these unintended consequences often begin as relatively benign events.
For example: occasionally working longer hours, and working with people who don't value our time or privacy. It's all a part of helping a client reach the finish line. It comes with the territory.
But if the pressure to sell ramps up and goes unchecked, the occasional busy week and challenging client can turn into a regular affair. This is when the more serious unintended consequences can appear and reveal some ugly truths.
Like the truth that we're short-changing our own health and wellbeing, and some of our most precious relationships. That we're spending an unhealthy amount of time on social media, posting about our successes, comparing ourself to others, and feeling like we don't measure up. That we're beginning to view our clients as transactions, not people, in our quest to make the next sale.
Fortunately, there's a much better way to work.
It's this crazy little notion that we can use our careers as an opportunity to show up each day and generously serve others. And the really good news is that there are so many ways to serve.
As professionals, we can begin by choosing to always carry out our duties with skill and care, to put our clients' interests first, and to follow through on our promises. As friends and neighbors, we can host gatherings for our clients, break bread with them, and thank them for supporting our business. And as marketers (yes we still need to market ourselves), we can be become known for our reliable market insight, for our helpful real estate advice, and for our connections to reputable local businesses.
We have so many other ways we can choose to generously serve others. When you choose an approach that aligns well with your values and your personality, and stick with it, the sales will come. Even better, you will have found a deeper meaning and deeper purpose for your work.