Is Your Real Estate Career Like a Roller Coaster Ride?

Ever feel like you're spinning your wheels in the mud? What always surprises me, is that this often happens right after a period of major growth when I feel like I've just gained a lot of ground. Sometimes I actually think that if I get it right - I'll never have to go through the downturn again, but...

Actually that's what most of my 20 year real estate career has been like - periods of intense forward movement that often seem to give way to periods of stagnation.  Some might call it a *&^% ^# Roller Coaster ride!

It's really easy to feel discouraged in those moments...but what I try to remember is that we don't ever really go backwards.  Even though sometimes it feels like we keep making the same old mistakes over and over again.  Or that I'll never let THAT happen to me again......We're just human!

Sometimes it seems like we're at a standstill because there are new obstacles in our paths.....but frankly I don't believe the hard work we've done, can every really been completely undone.

I try to remember that EVERY step on the path is meaningful. One of my favorite sayings. ..is two steps forward, one step back.  I know...I know.....the saying is actually ‘one step forward - two steps back'......but I prefer my version!   Even the step that takes us backwards is a forward step in the sense, in that sometimes it's just what we must do to propel ourselves to the next level.

The other interesting thing, is that usually an intense growth spurt requires that we recharge our batteries and take the time to integrate what we've just learned or accomplished by working hard.

Sometimes when we feel like we're not making ANY progress,  it's encouraging to think that it's ok to take some time and just rest.  To just take the time to mediate, eat well, get extra sleep - etc.

And then believe it or not, sooner or later, we'll be spurred on to work toward the next level of our development.  In retrospect, the time of rest (downtime) makes sense.  It's both natural and needed in order to continue.

The Sun is an interesting analogy for this.  Once it rises, although there are times in the day when it seems to be standing still.....in reality it doesn't go backwards.....but continues its path through the different stages of the day.

We really operate in much the same way.  Once we've moved through something we can never really go back.  I know I often think that I keep revisiting the same old issues......and its natural to feel stuck at times........but the reality is that we're always taking the next important step - whether it be in our careers or in our lives.  So have faith and stay strong!

Is your career a roller coaster ride...........or one of smooth sailing?  Either way,( as Terri's says.).....Enjoy the Ride!