2020 was an unprecedented year that challenged us all to be resourceful and work harder and smarter than we ever have before and some of you might be experiencing the dreaded “B word” – burnout and hit a wall? Or others have been so focused on keeping their real estate business afloat that they’ve ignored everything else – and are starting to pay the price. That’s why I thought it was a good time for a reminder that being successful means more than your income goals. It’s about the total picture, and your health plays a huge part in that. I for one can share that 2020 hit me with some covid cushion that I really don’t need. I am a huge believer that energy management is far more important than time management and without energy and vitality you cannot navigate any stormy sea like we had in 2020. Let me share with you some ideas on health and vitality so you can avoid burnout and kick start your 2021 full of the energy you need.
Health & Happiness Tip 1: Schedule Some “Phone Free” Time Off. There’s certainly the “grit” and “hustle” side of this business some people are attracted to. Some agents seem to relish it… touting how they’re available 24/7/365. I’d contend that’s not healthy (nor all that desirable), and you can’t keep it up forever. Sure… go hard while you’re working and give it all you’ve got. But make sure to take some breaks, too. One of the hardest things for any real estate professional to do is to turn off their phone, but it’s essential to your long-term success. The key is to plan some time off so you can inform the people you’re working with and delegate tasks that might need to be handled while you’re “off.” Reasonable clients will understand if your outgoing VM message explains that you’re taking a personal day and have a contingency plan in place for them. Will you do this? Can you put down your phone for a day? Let me know in the comments below.
Health & Happiness Tip 2: Get Outta Town. A change in scenery can be extremely rejuvenating. And it doesn’t have to be a big vacation. If you work in a city, you might need a quick escape to get out in the country, or to the ocean or a lake. Maybe a day in the local mountains, if you’ve got that opportunity. Breathe some fresh air and let nature’s healing effect revitalize you.
Health & Happiness Tip 3: Schedule Mini Breaks Through 2021. Like I said above, working 24/7/365 is not a prescription for good health. But if you’re not careful, this industry will force you into a hectic schedule where you’re always flying by the seat of your pants. Work expands to fill the time we allow for its completion, so the key is to set boundaries for yourself. Schedule a half day off on your calendar and then honor that. Or maybe it’s just a couple hours. The key is to build those “breaks” into your calendar ahead of time, because if you wait until you’re all caught up and it finally feels like you can take a break, well… you know. It’ll never happen. So put some “mini breaks” in your calendar today!
Health & Happiness Tip 4: Commit to a More Disciplined Health Routine. Are you working out? Are you eating healthy? Are you even thinking of these things, or do they take a back seat because you’re “too busy” to deal with them? Good health doesn’t happen without planning, effort, and discipline. I know you’re busy. I know it’s hard to fit workouts and healthy meal prep into your crazy schedule. But those things are essential to your long-term wellbeing. Make the commitment. If you’re struggling with this and just can’t seem to figure it out ask someone to be your accountability partner.
Health & Happiness Tip 5: Get More Rest. I know, I know… you’re probably laughing at the idea of getting more sleep because you’re burning the candle at both ends and can still barely keep up. But that approach can only take you so far. Without eight hours of sleep per night, you’re eventually going to start breaking down. So maybe it takes more steps than just going to bed earlier… maybe it’s time to hire an assistant and delegate some tasks… because your future health depends on it! Or maybe it’s time to introduce more systems and automation to your business, so you’re not hand-crafting every last element of a transaction when you don’t need to be. Whatever the case, make a point of getting the sleep you need – or know that you’ll pay for it later.
Health & Happiness Tip 6: Avoid the Energy-Sucking Vampires. Putting yourself in a toxic environment isn’t healthy. You know this. But it’s difficult sometimes. We all have those things or people in our lives that seem to inject constant negativity. I believe it’s up to you to protect your energy and not subject yourself to the energy-sucking vampires. Minimize your time in these environments as much as possible, and you’ll not only be happier, but more productive, too. Brian Tracy once said “Change your income by just changing your friends.”
Health & Happiness Tip 7: Be Intentional. What are you watching? What are you reading? What are you listening to? What is going in and what are you focusing on the majority of the time? I don’t know who said this but “Garbage in you get garbage out. Good stuff in you get good stuff out.” Watch, read, listen to the good content and be intentional about it at least 15 minutes a day and best time of the day is right at the beginning to set the day off right! I found that my ability to cope with the 2020 pandemic is purely based on this practice and know it will do the same for you in 2021!!
So excited and grateful to put 2020 behind and move to a healthy and happy 2021 and for us all to have the lives that we desire to live. Feel free to reach out to me about the strategies that you find have an amazing impact on your health and happiness in 2021.
Strength and courage,
Wade
