Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Our lives are crazy. Sometimes it is hard to sit for 5 minutes without the phone ringing and email popping in or even just the thought of a particular contract (or lack of one) racing through our minds. Take time for yourself and find peace – meditate, pray, or simply sit.

In an industry laden with ego, immaturity and ignorance, it is easy to create enemies. However, usually someone’s ego, immaturity and ignorance is born out of fear and a bad day/week/year … Remember this and treat them accordingly.

We all have a vast resource of knowledge and wisdom inside of us. It is our duty, as real estate agents – and humans – to share this, and better the lives of those around us. But there is never a need to cram it down someone’s throat. A simple and clear message will resonate the farthest.

For as much as you know, others know as well. Even about the same subject, there are multiple facets and versions of understanding and application. Even the greenest real estate agent can bring some of the most brilliant of ideas to the table.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Surround yourself with people you want to be like. The Chicken Little’s and Eyeore’s of the real estate industry are not only miserable… they are unsuccessful. You don’t need to catch THAT ailment – Your life and your business cannot afford that.

We all have the capacity for greatness. Some people seem to maximize that capacity sooner than later, but there is always a balance. There is the short tail and long tail of life at play here: Speeding to the finish line of awesome-ness will afford great rewards (short tail), but there are always the rewards of the gradual journey (long tail).

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.

Create realistic, achievable and written goals for you and your business and find people to keep you accountable – in ALL areas of your life.

You chose to be in real estate, so BE IN REAL ESTATE, or get out. The market is shifting and you have the (almost) once in a career opportunity to gain serious market share and become one of the most successful real estate agents EVER. Embrace the shift.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

As a licensed real estate agent, you cannot claim ignorance to wrong-doing. Educate yourself whenever possible and use that education to re-image our industry.

However, the perception of our industry is really just based off of a few bad apples, so do not perpetuate the anti-real estate agent propaganda. Let’s work together to show the world that we are a PEOPLE’S agent, and not a MONEY agent.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

We get more clients (and friends) by being overtly honest. We often wear jeans to listing appointments and “tell it like it is” to our clients about buying and selling in this market. We may not win over every client, but we are okay with that. But our genuineness and honesty is definitely refreshing, compared to “I’ll do anything to get a listing/make a deal happen.”

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Remember that there are MANY people that have been in this business longer than you, and many have also seen this market before. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. More people will graciously and happily help than you would ever imagine.

This business causes many sleepless nights. Whether it is because your only closing just fell apart, or your seller is losing their home to foreclosure, we often take our work home … and to bed … with us. But remember WHY you got into this business. It wasn’t to make a quick buck, nor was it to save the world. You are here to do the BEST you can with what you have, and make a living for yourself in the process. Some days are better than others. But remember that the WORST days are always balanced with some of the GREATEST ones.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.

As a whole, we are VERY hard on ourselves and can be our own worst critic. It is in the DOWN times that we need to learn how to be our own BEST Cheerleader. You know that you are the BEST real estate agent that you can be. Believe in yourself.

And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.

The market is always changing. Do not pine after what once was. There are ample opportunities in EVERY market. Your job is to find those opportunities and make them YOUR opportunities.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Don’t sell your soul to the Devil for a quick buck. Don’t ever do something that you would ever regret – regardless of desperation. We live in a country of endless opportunity. Even if real estate isn’t your ball game, that’s okay. FIND your ball game and play it well.

Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Desiderata - by Max Ehrmann  -  ©1927 (renewed) Bell & Son Publishing, LLC
[Image Source: Krikrit ]
Notes By: Mariana Wagner - Real Estate Agent