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Some thoughts on passion, optimism, and drive...

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Elite

 

This month I will be celebrating my two year anniversary of becoming a Realtor (R). In that short time, I have really come to look forward to the "30 Under 30" issue of REALTOR(R) Magazine. In the June 2008 issue of the magazine that featured the "30 Under 30" article, there are three powerful words on the cover that I found to be very inspiring... Passion, Optimism, and Drive. I think those are three words that need to be embraced and put into action by every real estate professional, no matter what their age.

If all, or any of these are missing from your business life, I don't believe you are truly living up to your full potential.

I have seen new agents as well as seasoned agents who have the passion for real estate, and the drive to keep pushing forward, but they are lacking optimism. They are too busy focusing on small "bumps in the road" that they are unable to see the the bigger picture, and all the amazing opportunities around them. They maybe producing, but they could be doing so much more if they would add optimism to the mix. This is just one example, and I'm sure you can think of many more.

I am drawn to this particular article because I think it's inspiring to hear that you can be successful in this business despite the sometimes seemingly disadvantage of age.

Because of a recent move, everyone in our office is getting new business cards. I previously did not have my picture on my business cards, but decided to put it on there this time. I asked one of the guys in the office if he was getting his picture on his cards, and he said, "No, who would want to buy real estate from someone who looks like they're 19".

With age comes experience, and experience is priceless.When you're young there is only one why to gain experience, by getting out there and doing. I can relate to what he's saying. I know there is at least one listing that I did not get because I am young. I can understand where the homeowner is coming from, however I have chosen not to let that discourage me. I have a lot to bring to the table.

Remember my example of the agent lacking optimism? There are plenty of agents who have been in this business for years, and while to some that may imply that they possess these traits, I have learned from my short time in this business that is not always true.

No matter what profession you are in there are always people who stand around and talk about what could be done, and then there are those who get out there and do something. I think it is key, no matter what age you are, or how long you have been in this business, that you surround yourself with optimistic, driven, and passionate people.

 

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Kristy - You're absolutely right - with age often comes experience.  I've been in the business for 26 years now.  I'm a grandmother, who is still learning new things in this business - but they are built on a strong foundation of past experience!

Myrl Jeffcoat
http://www.myrljeffcoat.com

p.s.: I should add however, if you lived in the 1960s, and really experienced them, you might not still remember them:-)

 

 

Jul 03, 2008 01:02 AM
Robert Dawson
Top Search Result - Charlottetown, PE
SEO

Kristy,

I often get some weird looks and what not because of my age and some of the business transactions I've been in.  That just makes me work harder so if anyone asks a question, I have the answer that will settle any doubts in my abilities.

Best of luck

Robert

Jul 03, 2008 01:08 AM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

That is the key for a balance life. ..

your passion will create the drive . .and you optimism will keep you happy!

good luck

Jul 03, 2008 01:17 AM
Antoinette Scognamiglio, GRI, ASP
Coldwell Banker Realty - Mountain Lakes, NJ
There's no substitute for EXPERIENCE!

Kristy, I agree 100%! I take real measures to avoid the "energy vampires" in my office! Went to lunch with a few of them a year back and returned completely ZAPPED!  You have the right idea and no doubt will make the "30 under 30" soon!

Jul 03, 2008 01:25 AM
Chuck Carstensen
RE/MAX Results - Elk River, MN
Minnesota/Wisconsin Real Estate Expert

Great post!  All three are important and I believe we have the power to decide if we have them or not.

Jul 03, 2008 01:31 AM
Karen Hurst
RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI
Rhode Island Waterfront!

I agree that those three are important, no matter what your age or profession is.

 I believe that if one is in the "right" profession, those three things will come naturally.

I am looking forward to the "30 OVER 30" Issue!!!!

Jul 03, 2008 07:34 AM
Michelle Hall
Century 21 Hecht - Denver, NC

I totally agree with what you are saying.  I tend to be one of those people who have a lot of drive but may lack optimism.  I am working on this, however.  I am a strong believer in what you put out there (energy wise) is what comes back to you.  I have to tell myself that I deserve success.  I have a young face as well.  But I always want my picture on my card.  The main reason is so if I am out and about, someone may notice me and know what I do.  It is crucial that everyone knows what you do.  There are to many times, that a person may not use a realtor that they have met, simply because they did not know they were a realtor. 

Thanks for the optimistic blog.

Jul 05, 2008 10:43 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Michelle Hall said: "I totally agree with what you are saying.  I tend to be one of those people who have a lot of drive but may lack optimism.  I am working on this, however.  I am a strong believer in what you put out there (energy wise) is what comes back to you.  I have to tell myself that I deserve success.  I have a young face as well.  But I always want my picture on my card.  The main reason is so if I am out and about, someone may notice me and know what I do.  It is crucial that everyone knows what you do.  There are to many times, that a person may not use a realtor that they have met, simply because they did not know they were a realtor."

Myrl said: Michelle - A recent study found folks from Denmark are among the happiest people shuffling across the planet.  Their secret - they don't seem to have much optimism.  Therefore, if they don't get their hopes up, they aren't disappointed.  I'm also like you however - I believe what you put out there, often comes back to you.  There is a wonderful book titled, "The Secret" that speaks about that concept, and using the law of attraction.  It is also available on video.

Jul 05, 2008 11:58 PM
Yvette Smith
LONG & FOSTER - Williamsburg, VA
Realtor In Williamsburg VA, Homes for Sale

Kristy, Hello!!  You have got to have all these things to make it work.  They go hand in hand.  Thank you for sharing your terrific insight!

All the best,

Jul 06, 2008 03:59 AM
Diana Lyons
Blacksburg, VA

Kristy,

You are correct! With age does come experience. I've been a Realtor for 5 yrs. and learn something new every day, especially from those in our office who have been in the business 15+ yrs.  They are a wealth of information!  Our office isn't the typical "dog eat dog" office. Everyone is willing to help each other and we actually have fun.  I can't imagine what I'd be doing if I wasn't a Realtor and could kick myself for not doing it sooner.

Real Estate is such a rollercoaster though and if your not careful you can get off track.  It's tough knowing what will happen next week, month & especially in December when your wondering what the next year is gonna bring...but it always does.  Somehow, the man upstairs knows what your passion is and wants us to hang in there.  I'm a firm believer in whats meant to be and if you've got this far, your meant to be here. You go girl!

Jul 17, 2008 01:23 AM
Blowing Rock Real Estate Boone Real Estate
Blowing Rock Investment Properties - Blowing Rock, NC

Thanks for the inspiring post. I've really been trying to focus on my own drive, optimism and passion in the past few months and it's really changed a lot about the way that I do business and my confidence level. I read this great article in Psycology Today that really stood out to me about building courage, optimism, passion and drive and how you can change a lot about your personality but it doesn't happen overnight and it's something that takes work and pracice. I found it really encouraging.

As far as the age thing, I think that once you have a couple of years under your belt and you're really knowledgable about the area that you're selling and all of the in's and out's of real estate it really starts to show and most people could care less about your age.

Jul 19, 2008 03:36 AM
Kristy Gitzlaff
RE/MAX Elite - Paddock Lake, WI
Kenosha & Racine Real Estate Specialist

Thank you all for stopping by to read my blog.

Myrl...When I think about people lacking optimism, I think about those people who are negative all the time. While I think you need to be realistic about your expectations, I don't know that ditching optimism is the answer. Glad to hear it's working for people in Denmark though. As someone who got into this business during "a slow market", I have to say, optimism has helped me hit the 2 year mark of being in real estate. Have I been disappointed along the way? For sure (many times), but positive optimistic thinking has kept me from giving up many times.

Meris...I agree with you, I am much more confident now that I have a couple years of experiance behind me, and the knowledge I have gained certainly helps me to be taken seriously.

Jul 20, 2008 12:19 AM