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Motivational Monday – Doing Things Differently

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

In any role be it professional or personal, doing things differently matters especially when achieving positive desired results.  Years ago, I read this quote by Marcel Proust:

"The true voyage of discovery is not seeing new landscapes, but seeing with new eyes."

How do you see things differently for yourself as a parent, sibling, friend or one of the many roles within the real estate industry?

In my personal roles, I believe consistency beyond being ethical is one attribute that shows I do things differently.

For me, being old school in real estate is definitely being different. I want to:

  • Meet face to face with clients
  • Actively listen to their wants and needs as well as what is not said
  • Protect and Promote My Clients (Code of Ethics, Article One)
  • Develop authentic relationships
  • Be the Source of the Source even after the real estate transaction closes

Additionally, understanding the sales process and integrating emotional intelligence into all interactions also makes me different.

One of the psychometric assessments that I have employed is The Attribute Index by Dr. Robert Hartman founder of Axiology. A key outcome of this assessment is understanding how a person thinks about herself or himself.

I was reminded of this assessment when I read this quote by Karen Salmansohn:

"Being different is a good thing. It means you’re brave enough to be yourself."

Then I have always believed in these words by Gen. George S. Patton.

“If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”

In being different often that is how we speak, the words we use or the words we avoid using. Many words have different meanings and pull at different emotional strings within us. Blaise Pascal noticed this difference.

"Words differently arranged have a different meaning, and meanings differently arrange have different effects."

Yes, being different is not without consequences. Standing up for one’s differences is sometimes not easy. Effective leaders understand those consequences and still move forward.

Finally, I discovered this quote by Tecumseh.

"When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way.

Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."

#DoingThingsDifferently #RealEstate

Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Pixabay.com

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith

Comments(15)

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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Leanne - finding the right fit for you is important.  

Apr 07, 2025 05:43 AM
Leanne Smith

Agreed for me that means being comfortable in your own skin.Thank you and good morning.

Apr 07, 2025 08:04 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Leanne. Like you I am old fashioned and set in my ways. That has not changed. These days, however, I see things differently more than before. I like the concept of new eyes and my old fashioned ways. It works for me. Enjoy your day.

Apr 07, 2025 05:48 AM
Leanne Smith

Glad seeing with new eyes can happen with old fashioned ways. Good morning and enjoy your day.

Apr 07, 2025 08:05 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Leanne, for sharing some of your experience and advice.

I am also a member of the old school.

Apr 07, 2025 06:46 AM
Leanne Smith

My sense many here on Active Rain are also old school. Good morning and thank you for stopping by.

Apr 07, 2025 08:05 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Leanne,

Marcel Proust's and Tecumseh's quotes are such wise quotes. Doing things differently do have consequences you just need to understand what they are!

 

Apr 07, 2025 07:18 AM
Leanne Smith

The Proust quote has always been one of my favorites. I did not know of Tecumseh's quote until I did some research.  Both can have significant impact on our lives. Good morning and my thanks to you.

Apr 07, 2025 08:07 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Leanne and another great blog that is worth seeing by more in the Rain.  Can I reblog it sometime again?

 

Apr 07, 2025 09:38 AM
Leanne Smith

Of course you may reblog and thank you for your kind words. Good morning Will.

Apr 09, 2025 07:39 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks, Leanne Smith! Your thoughts on embracing differences and seeing things with fresh eyes are truly inspiring. I love your commitment to building authentic relationships—it's a powerful reminder that the personal touch really makes all the difference in real estate!

Apr 07, 2025 12:56 PM
Leanne Smith

Yes real estate is both personal and local. Thank you and good morning.

Apr 09, 2025 07:40 AM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

As usual Leanne you always hit the nail right on the head. Being true and you are is something that is noticed by others. A fake face, smile and sentence is a turn off. Jeff

Apr 15, 2025 07:50 PM
Leanne Smith

Wow what a kind observation. So true about the fake face smile. I think of that when I view some lawyer's commercials or even real estate. The fake smile are a big turnoff for me. Good evening Jeff and thank you.

Apr 16, 2025 05:57 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Leanne Smith looking at your definition of old school, that would be me.

Apr 16, 2025 09:40 AM
Leanne Smith

Not surprised we share the same definition George. Good evening and that you for your sharing as well.

Apr 16, 2025 05:58 PM
Don Baker
Lane Realty - Eatonton, GA
Lake Sinclair Specialist

It took me a while to grow up and not care what others thought and be my own person.  But I got there and I like it here.

Apr 16, 2025 01:08 PM
Leanne Smith

My sense is for many it may take a while to be comfortable in our own skin. I too am there and totally loving it. Thank you Don and enjoy your week.

Apr 16, 2025 05:59 PM
Peter Mohylsky,
Property Management International-Destin - Inlet Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."

 

I need to find that song...:)

Apr 16, 2025 02:52 PM
Leanne Smith

When you find that song, please share. I really appreciated that quote by Tecumseh. Thank you and good evening Peter

Apr 16, 2025 06:00 PM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

I really enjoyed this post - so many outstanding quotes and many lessons to learn!!

Apr 16, 2025 05:56 PM
Leanne Smith

As always good to know my post and quote selection was well received. Yes lots of lessons to be learned. Good evening Paddy and thank you for your comment.

Apr 16, 2025 06:01 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I am a fan of, "old school". I worked for a brief moment with two, young, head-strong young agents who accused me of being old school. What's interesting is they were caught doing some shady deals with a title company and lost everything! (Fortunately for me, they were no longer working with me)

Apr 16, 2025 07:08 PM
Leanne Smith

Yes old school often implies a certain standard of moral conduct. Glad these 2 over eager agents were caught.  Thank you and good morning Paula.

Apr 18, 2025 09:54 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Leanne Smith great post! It's all about being present in life and real estate. Cutting distractions. Meaning what you say, doing what you promise. Listening more, judging less. Just open your eyes. Your awareness develops wisdom which helps you prioritize what really matters most. Keep learning is key. Volunteer more. Be kind, even when it’s hard.

herd mentality

Apr 17, 2025 03:06 AM
Leanne Smith

So appreciate the graphic and the herd mentality is often present which is quite sad. Thank you for your well written response. Much appreciated.

Apr 18, 2025 09:55 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Sometimes that’s the way to go with just me and yourself and rolling with it!!
Apr 17, 2025 11:42 PM
Leanne Smith

Again words of wisdom, thank you Laura

Apr 18, 2025 09:55 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I really like your quotes, but, especially the last one. I remember a quote that has stayed with me which I saw in a window display in Lisbon after walking my Camino and it was:

"You are you for a reason"

That really resonated with me, we often try to assimilate and be liked or needed, but there is nothing wrong with being ourselves and attracting those who like us for ourselves not what they want us to be. 

Apr 22, 2025 10:38 AM