The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80-20 rule, states that for many events, 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

As real estate professionals we hear this rule and how it applies in business in many different ways all the time: 80% of our business comes from 20% of our activities. 80% of the real estate transactions being done in any given community come from 20% of the agents doing business. 80% of the world's wealth is held by 20% of the population.

Having just completed my first triathlon, The Las Vegas Triathlon held September 28, 2008 at Lake Mead in Nevada, the 80:20 Rule showed itself to me again that I felt also applied to my real estate practice. Finishing the Triathlon was 80% mental, 20% physical. I trained for about 5 hours per week for about 3 months.

What I noticed during the race was that I actually had a huge smile on my face, even though physically it was grueling. I noticed the affirmations in my head coming to me as I was cycling over the hills, "You can do it! You're a winner! You're a great athlete! You're going to finish in great time!" And, although I didn't win, I did finish in 2hrs: 7minutes: 6 seconds. Am I the least bit dissapointed? Not at all!

I don't have an athletic background. Deciding to voluntarliy run this race was way out of the box for me. What I know for sure is that my results would have been very different had I not been practicing saying positve affirmations to myself for the last several years.

Staying in an optimistic mind-set does not come naturally to me. My written affirmations are posted to the back of my medicine cabinet where I look at and read them when I brush my teeth each day. I say, "I'm a successful professional. I'm a great Mom. I'm a motivating leader. I am a wealthy, deserving woman. I am living my dream life every day!"

I coach agents to write and say their personal affirmations each morning for 3 minutes to get focused and motivated to start their day. We need all the positivity we can get in this market.

It's 80% mental and 20% physical. You know enough. Pick up the phone or knock on the door. What would your business look like if you trained like an athlete and you lead generated for 1-2 hours each day?

It's a great time to jump in to this market! You're great!