As real estate professionals, we often encounter the challenge of maintaining focus and productivity, especially when working independently. The freedom to work from various locations—home, coffee shops, or even airplanes—offers incredible flexibility but also demands strong self-discipline and structure. So, why do some agents struggle to put in the real work necessary to succeed in this business? Let’s explore this together.
Why Won’t You Do the Work?
When you became a real estate agent, you knew structure was crucial. Initially, many of us went to a physical office, adhering to a routine that helped us stay productive. Now, with the ability to work remotely, it’s easy to get distracted. Whether it’s household chores or the allure of a sunny day, these distractions can pull us away from our goals. So, what’s holding you back from doing the work?
Do You Have Too Much Time on Your Hands?
Having ample free time can sometimes lead to a lack of focus. You might find yourself engaging in activities that don’t contribute to your business growth. Here’s a solution: create a structured schedule. Designate specific times for real estate tasks and stick to them, just like you would in a traditional job.
Do You Need Structure?
If structure is what you need, try balancing a regular job with your real estate pursuits. Work your 9 to 5 and dedicate evenings or weekends to real estate activities. Even working with your sphere of influence during these times can make a significant impact.
Are You Working at the Optimal Time for You?
Identify your peak productivity times. For many, mornings are the best time to tackle demanding tasks. Personally, I find that I can achieve three hours’ worth of work in one hour if I start early. Find what works best for you and align your most critical tasks with those times.
Are You Overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed can be a major barrier to productivity. When you’re overwhelmed, it’s essential to take a step back, breathe, and break down your tasks into manageable steps. For example, posting on social media once a day or sending out a direct mail piece once a month are small but impactful actions you can take consistently.
Practical Steps to Stay on Track
- Leverage Tools and Data: Use tools like Realist, Remine, or RPR to gather data and send out targeted mailings. For instance, you can create reports showing market trends and mail them to your neighbors or sphere of influence.
- Mail to Your Sphere of Influence: Create a list of everyone you know and send them monthly updates. Highlight key data points like median sales prices, market times, and housing inventory.
- Daily Decluttering: Just like decluttering your home, declutter your business tasks. Spend 30 minutes a day focused on organizing and completing essential activities.
What Do You Love About Real Estate?
Reflect on what you love about real estate. Is it helping people find their dream homes, or the thrill of closing a deal? Focus on these aspects to reignite your passion and drive. If money is your motivator, set financial goals to keep you moving forward. If you love staging homes, concentrate on listing properties. Knowing your ‘why’ will help you stay committed and enthusiastic.
To succeed in real estate, you need to overcome procrastination by implementing structure, identifying optimal work times, and taking consistent, small steps. Remember, the key to achieving your goals lies in understanding your motivations and leveraging tools and strategies to stay organized and productive.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to reach out. Stay focused and keep pushing forward!
Carrie J. Little
Managing Broker/Owner, CarMarc Realty Group
For more tips and insights, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram and TikTok. Let’s continue to learn and earn together!
