As a Reservist in the Marine Corps, I long ago had to learn how to separate two completely different sides of my personality. Being a Marine involves embracing a warrior culture, where there is little room for sensitivity, and positively no room for weakness.
On the opposite side of the coin, being a father, a real estate professional, and a community member requires patience, understanding, and empathy. Combining all these traits is oftentimes a lot like mixing oil and vinegar.
For quite some time, I listened to those around me who suggested that I keep the two completely separate. I installed a mental light switch on my Marine persona that I would turn on when in uniform, and turn off when I got home. Every once in a while, a little Jarhead would seep through, but for the most part, I kept it buried. I worked my first couple of months like this. That is, until I realized it wasn't working.
So I ripped out the light switch, threw some gasoline on the fire, and let that puppy burn. I would separate my Marine self from my civilian self no more. It was game on.
You see, the things that have made me successful in life are the things that make me a great Marine. My passion to be the best at whatever I do. My drive to accomplish the mission, regardless of obstacles. My willingness to sacrifice my comfort and time to serve others. My aggressiveness that allows me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. All of these things are intrinsic parts of the warrior culture. I realized that if I attacked my work with the same zeal and sense of purpose that I apply to my military pursuits, I would likely edge out my competition, and achieve great results. I needed to get back to basics.
The Marine Corps is driven by one guiding principle: Mission Accomplishment
Mission Accomplishment is the priority. Whatever the mission may be, a Marine will stop at nothing to get it done. We have a rich history of accomplishing great things with little resources. We are inventive, crafty, and adaptable. History is full of examples of a few Marines taking on overwhelming forces and snatching victory from the hands of defeat. Iwo Jima is one example that comes to mind. I keep a small statue of the flag raising on Mt. Surabachi on my desk to remind me of what my predecessors have accomplished.
When I returned from Fallujah, Iraq last fall to find the real estate world in utter chaos, I laughed when people told me I should consider another career. I thought to myself, "Now here is a challenge I can embrace!"
I plan my business days much like I would plan for a patrol. I update myself on what is going on in my market (the Situation). I identify what I want to accomplish (the Mission). I lay out how I'm going to do it (the Execution). I arrange for all the things I am going to need to do it (Administration and logistics). I get with my office manager and discuss what I plan to accomplish (Command & signal).
Once the mission is defined, I can begin to execute it with the appropriate passion and drive. I am focused, I am ready, and I am able. I am a U.S. Marine. Failure is not an option.
That, my friends is what a Jarhead Realtor is. A Jarhead Realtor is dedicated to accomplishing the mission. The mission may be helping a seller get top dollar for their home. It may be getting a buyer that sweet deal on their dream home. Some days the mission is remembering to do the grunt work that keeps my business growing. Other days, the mission is simply to keep on keeping on, and remembering that no matter how bad the suck gets, tomorrow will still come, and I've been through worse.
You don't have to have been a Marine to apply these principles to your work. Just keep plugging along, and the worst will pass. Tomorrow will be another day, with it's own challenges. Stay strong, stay focused, and you'll survive.
Semper Fidelis
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