Just a few days ago I visited a local MLS board meeting where a panel of top agents were sharing their "Secrets to Success". After a lovely breakfast and lots of questions for the panel, the meeting concluded. But the pondering was only beginning for me.
Surprisingly, the majority on the panel did NOT do regular goal setting. That was a bit shocking for me. I was always told to have a map to get where you want to go whether it is driving to Florida or closing 50 deals a year. Otherwise, it is all just chance that you will reach your desired destination. Steven Covey in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People says "Begin with the end in mind". Do you know where you are going or are you driving aimlessly around hoping to get lucky?
One young gentleman on the panel who happens to be featured in NAR's "30 under 30" spoke about his business and strategy. He apparently is doing very well and attributed his success to watching the market and going where the activity is. He was previously selling half a million dollar homes+ and is now focusing on lower end markets. Good plan I agree. However, he then proceeded to share that he works seven days a week at least twelve to fourteen hours a day. He said "I have no life". Yeaks! Is that then really success? Well, it may be for him but it is not the life I want to lead.
So how do you define success? For me, it is measured in the ability to make money but also in the positive impact I make on others around me. It is measured in the happy clients but also in the smile of my children. It is measured in the people I help and also in a life with balance. I had a time like the gentleman above... 2008 brought 36 deals for me and the management of a team of 44 agents. My phone rang from dawn to after dark. My clients loved me but there was certainly some balance missing. I could not keep that pace forever and I am pleased to say things are now more under control. I am constantly trying to work smarter. I have a map and I am following it.
What are your thoughts on goal setting and success?
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