Samantha Jones

By Samantha Jones

The old adage, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” rings true more than ever at the beginning of a new year. Sure, 2019 means a theoretical blank slate and chance to improve every facet of our lives. Yet, sometimes we set ourselves up to fail with those lofty goals. I’m all for continuing to strive for excellence, but it’s time to also give yourself some credit.

We survived another year in the real estate trenches. You may not have hit those production goals, but that’s true for most of us ambitious and competitive real estate professionals. Just don’t forget to focus on what you did right. You helped clients buy or sell the roof over their heads; likely their largest investment. That’s something you should be proud of.

@TeroVesalainen, 2017. pixabay.com

After more than four years working as a full-time agent, I’m finally inspired to reset myself and my business. I’m striving towards a better work-life balance as much as possible in this field, and a happier and healthier mindset. If your market is anything like Chicagoland, January is the calm before the storm. Before we’re back to the grind of the spring market. Right now is the best time to create habits and strategies you can refer to all year long.

You may feel the New Year itch. The desire to change everything in hopes of improving your business and personal life. You know what I’m talking about: The stress over lack of stress. You’re probably not booked with appointments every day and your phone hasn’t rang in three hours. I actually have a day off. That’s not right, is it? What if this means I’ll never have any business again?

This is the roller coaster of a REALTOR®’s emotions. Most of us are commission based and simply cannot fail. There are people counting on us, including our families, to pay the mortgage and put food on the table.

Instead of fretting, channel that energy into inspiration. Appreciate  this lull before the craziness ensues. This is a chance to create healthy routines to set yourself up for continued success. So, catch up on sleep, meditate, start a gratitude journal. Spend more time with your support system.

As for business, this is prime time for prepping new marketing materials, creating a business plan (if you don’t have one), and reflecting on 2018’s wins and losses. Write down your attainable goals, whether it be helping a few more clients than last year or putting your phone down after 7 p.m. Now’s the time to fully consider that leap into coaching, adding an assistant, or whether your business model working. The goal is always work smarter, not harder.

Remember, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Did open houses work for you last year? If so, keep at it. If not, shift your strategies elsewhere. Time is our most valuable asset, so maximizing it is crucial. Print mailers are costly, but did they turn into business? Well, perhaps they may be worth your investment.

Sometimes real estate can be a draining profession. We’re confidantes who are on-call 24/7. It’s an honor to be in this profession, but that honor is easier to fulfill if you embrace lulls like this.

This year, I challenge you to find inspiration in the little things, the mundane but sometimes chaotic beauty of this field. As Bing Crosby once sang, “When I’m worried and cannot sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep.”

Wishing you your best life in 2019!

Samantha Jones is an award-winning real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the Chicagoland area. She is a top producer who specializes in residential sales. Connect with Samantha on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.