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Planning for Success: Habit Stacking & Environment

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Real Estate Agent with Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 CA BRE# 01261476

Planning for Success: Habit Stacking & Environment - Contest Entry Week 3 of 5

As you journey through my Planning For Success series, you may have noticed that my previous posts haven't delved into topics like sales, marketing, or customer relations. You might wonder why that is. The truth is, without the right foundation for success, those subjects become hollow and ineffective.

The key is encapsulated in the word "planning." Effective planning isn't just about setting goals; it's about establishing a sequence of habits and systems that support those goals. In the absence of a solid plan, efforts in sales, marketing, or customer service can feel futile.

What I'm sharing comes from my own experience, plus insights gained through various influential works, including The E-Myth Revisited, Atomic Habits, The Kaizen Way, and Mastery.

In Post #1, we tackled the importance of breaking free from stagnation and drift by confronting willful ignorance and neglecting our habits and systems.

In Post #2, I emphasized the power of starting your day with a purposeful morning routine. By establishing a consistent time to wake up and prepare yourself physically and mentally, you can significantly enhance your productivity. It’s crucial to show up at your workspace, whether it's an office across town or a home office, ready to tackle the day. Remember, discipline truly equals freedom.

Today, I want to introduce you to two powerful tools that can help you design success: Habit Stacking and Designing Your Environment, both inspired by principles from James Clear’s Atomic Habits.

Habit Stacking: This method involves building new habits by linking them to existing ones. By anchoring a new action to a habit, you already perform, you can create a seamless transition that reinforces both behaviors.

Example: After I read a chapter of my book I will walk a mile on my Peloton (or around my neighborhood). After I walk a mile, I will enjoy a shower and a good heathy meal. So I stack the habits, then I bundle them with something more attractive or rewarding to me.

Design Your Environment: Your surroundings play a critical role in your ability to succeed. By arranging your environment to promote positive habits and minimize distractions and temptations, you create a space that fosters productivity and growth.

Example: I'm having trouble gettng work done at my desk. Maybe I'll remove all social media APPs from my work desktop, so I can only access them on my smartphone. Then,  for 1 hour I leave my phone off and in another room or my car while I get a 1 hour jam session completed at my desk.

With these strategies in hand, you'll be well on your way to building a system that not only supports your goals but propels you towards achieving them. Then too, we we are readyto talk about the pillars of your business.

Planning To Unlock Your Potential: Overcoming Ignorance
and Neglect (Entry #1)

Planning for Success Make Room For Miracles (Entry #2)

Posted by


Thomas J. Nelson
REALTOR®, CRS, RCS-D, CDPE, e-Pro, Certified Military Home Specialist, Luxury Home Specialist, Author, Keynote Speaker and  Podcast Host 

Serving Coastal San Diego from Carlsbad to Coronado, Downtown, Balboa Park Area,
La Jolla/UCSD & Mission Bay Park Areas
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& Active Duty

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Disclaimer:  Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, medical advice or financial advice.  For legal advice see an attorney.   For tax advice, health or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.
Show All Comments Sort:
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Thomas... I'm all about my routines and habits, especially in the morning. Break those and my day is never as good.

Jan 18, 2025 05:17 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

100% Nina Hollander, Broker - I protect my morning routine, especially Mon-Fri like it's a $100,000,000 listing appointment.

Jan 18, 2025 07:17 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Thomas. Right on! Reminds me of an affirmation. Work all the time you are at work. You give hew meaning to a jam session as a former DJ. Like your line of thinking. Enjoy your day. 

Jan 18, 2025 05:35 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Thanks Wayne Martin - yes, I was taught by Whiskey, long ago:
When I'm at work, work like a dog.
When I'm at play, play like a puppy.
Don't mix the two and you'll have time for both!

Jan 18, 2025 07:20 AM
Kathy Streib

Thomas...once again...Whiskey's Wisdom. 

Jan 18, 2025 05:14 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Thomas - there's a point for purposeful.   

Jan 18, 2025 05:41 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Thanks Michael Jacobs - I hope you are well my friend. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Jan 18, 2025 07:21 AM
Nicolas A Scaron PLLC
The Lion Den Group -LPT Realty - Tampa, FL
We do it right the first time.

Great article Thomas. We can all benefit from applying good consistent habits with everything we do daily to achieve success. 

Jan 18, 2025 06:27 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Thank you Nicolas A Scaron PLLC  - Hey my company Big Block Realty just merged with LPT last November and I onboarded right before Christmas. We're associates now! How long have you been with them and how do you like it so far?

Jan 18, 2025 07:22 AM
Nicolas A Scaron PLLC
The Lion Den Group -LPT Realty - Tampa, FL
We do it right the first time.

I have been with them for a year now. You won’t regret your decision on making the move. It all starts with leadership and Robert P. knows how to lead from the front. 

Jan 18, 2025 08:00 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Thanks for the encouragemnet. Yes, I like his Motivational Mondays, I've been on them sinceJan 6th. Good stuff, thanks!

Jan 18, 2025 11:01 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Thomas and great information for week three.  I like Habit stacking for sure.

Jan 18, 2025 09:18 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Thomas great post!  Habit Stacking is exactly what I been doing for years but just didn't call it that. It works wonders as does having ones environment around pleasant, uplifting and creative!  Yes creative!

Jan 18, 2025 10:59 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Nice, yes it's always fun to read about something you've been doing naturally, yest someone wrote it down and named it. In a way I think "You mean I could have wriiten my habits down and sold a book too?" LOL

Jan 18, 2025 11:02 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

I'm enjoying ready your entries Thomas! I'm a routine person with habits that work for me. I don't it to be interrupted (although there are always times it has to be) because I get s***t done! My daughter- in-law has a plaque sitting on her desk that says that and it works!

Jan 18, 2025 11:18 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

I love the practical advice you're sharing on habit stacking and designing your environment, Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP - it's really making me think about how I can create a more supportive system for success, and I appreciate you breaking it down in such a clear and actionable way!

Jan 18, 2025 11:44 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Hi Thomas, I like the concept of habit stacking. I noticed that I am doing that and it's great - I was doing just rope jumps, now I added lifting weights; and they go well together. 

Jan 18, 2025 03:25 PM
Aura Alex
Seattle, WA
Retired Real Estate Pro

Hello Thomas,

Your post resonated with me, especially the insightful examples you provided for each strategy. It added a personal touch that made it feel relatable. Excellent work!

CONGRATULATIONS Thomas on having your post FEATURED in the OLD FARTS CLUB!

Jan 18, 2025 05:54 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Thank you so much! I'm pleased to be honored here!
I miss Myrl Jeffcoat 

Jan 19, 2025 08:06 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

HI Thomas- I like the idea of habit-stacking. I have my "morning chores" and really don't like it when I'm interrupted or delayed. I can adapt when I'm interrupted but not happy about it. 

Jan 18, 2025 07:55 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

HA! You know Kathy Streib being that committed to your routine, while remaining flexible, is a sure sign of your many successful traits/habits. I agree, my morning routine is sacred to me bacause of how much I can accomplish before business hours. I start the day having 60% already won the day.

Jan 19, 2025 08:05 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Great post / tips on a great January challenge...enjoyed ready it and appreciate it

Jan 18, 2025 09:29 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

     Lots of agents buy countless books, pay for self-help mentoring shock treatment sessions. Trying to fix lazy, disorganized and looking to develop grit. But they still possess a hit or miss, wavering sense of self-confidence that undermines their consistency and the needed persistence for day in and out "success".

     Without a strong, personal reason for pursuing success, way beyond needing the money, they may lack the internal drive ("fire in the belly") to stay focused and resilient. Takes more than two box tops and sending away for a secret decoder ring.

secret decoder ring

     Real estate is a fast-paced sport and you have to push yourself, get out on the field. Over consumption of paid for advice can lead to costly analysis paralysis, where the focus is more on preparation than implementation Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP .

Jan 19, 2025 03:34 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 - so true! I just had a similar conversation with a struggling agent on Friday. He said he's having a slow start to his career. I shared the the obvious observations: 
1. He's retirted and doesn't "need the money" (no fire in the belly).
2. He splits his time between San Diego and Palm Desert (2.5 hours aprat) so he's not putting in 5-6 days per week here to get established consitently.
I should send him your comment, it's spot on.💡

Jan 19, 2025 08:03 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Developing good habits and then stacking more on top of them is surely a way to have great success in business and in life!

Jan 19, 2025 04:14 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Good afternoon and thank you for this entry. I love your feature photos. Stacking habits is a good thing. My daily habit is to make my bed, then have breakfast and in between some email work or housework depending upon priorities.  Really thought this statement was quite profound.

The truth is, without the right foundation for success, those subjects become hollow and ineffective.

Jan 19, 2025 12:34 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thomas:

Habit Stacking is not a term I've heard yet to some extent do this already. But I'm now inspired to do an even better job, especially when adding a new habit-to-be.

Jeff

Jan 20, 2025 05:20 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Great to hear from you my friend, I hope you are well!

Jan 20, 2025 06:34 PM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Habit stacking? I like that a bunch! Thanks for sharing 

Jan 21, 2025 05:12 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Thomas, I have deviated from my previous morning routine a bit.   Rather than spend a couple hours on AR, I work on my website, do postcards/notes to clients or peruse through the new listings.

Jan 21, 2025 03:37 PM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP

Funny you mentioned that, I have cut waaaayyy back on my AR time too.
I'm more on purpose about it. Still enjoy it though.

Jan 21, 2025 05:00 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Trans State Commercial Realty Inc. - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Change is constant and one must move in new directions.  Each year I add something new to the tool box.  Last year I explored crypto and ai.  This year I will be present at live events and networking with dynamic folks.

Jan 25, 2025 06:42 AM