Setting and achieving goals is not just a buzzword; it’s the cornerstone of success in the fiercely competitive world of real estate. Yet, for many realtors or independent contractors, the discipline of writing down goals and staying focused on them can be a challenging feat.
Strategies to help you change your approach and unlock the power of goal setting:
Start with Clarity– The first step is to gain absolute clarity about what you want to achieve. Vague goals like “sell more houses” won’t cut it. Instead, set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For example, “I will increase my GCI by 30% in the next 12 months” or “I will sell 34 houses next year.”
Commit to Writing– The act of writing your goals down is a powerful commitment. Put your goals in a visible place, whether it’s a physical planner, a digital note, or even a vision board. The key is to make them an integral part of your daily life. The best quote I have heard is from an Elite Agent who changed his life by reaching his goals, “If it’s not on my calendar, it doesn’t get done.” Wow, that is powerful! You can incorporate that into goals right away because you can add tasks to your calendar to remind yourself what you should be working on.
Break It Down– Big goals can be overwhelming. To stay focused, break them down into smaller, manageable steps. These mini-goals are less intimidating and provide a sense of accomplishment as you tick them off one by one. Now that you have small manageable tasks, you can start achieving them by putting them on your calendar.
Develop a Routine– Establish a daily or weekly routine to review your goals. This requires tracking, the requirement of anyone trying to reach any goal. For inspiration, look to Michael Phelps who wanted to be the best swimmer in the world. How did he accomplish it? He tracked what he ate and how much he swam and tracked how many laps and his time! (Read the Compound Effect from Darren Hardy to learn more.) This dedicated time allows you to assess your progress, make adjustments, and stay accountable. Many successful realtors swear by morning rituals that include goal visualization and planning.
Find an Accountability Partner– Share your goals with someone you trust, whether it’s a colleague, mentor, or friend. Having someone to hold you accountable can provide that extra push when motivation wanes.
Stay Persistent– Goal achievement rarely happens overnight. It takes consistent effort, and there will be setbacks along the way. Embrace these challenges as learning opportunities and keep moving forward.
Celebrate Wins– Don’t forget to celebrate your successes, even the small ones. Acknowledging your achievements reinforces your commitment to your goals and provides the motivation to keep going.
Adjust and Evolve– As circumstances change, your goals may need adjustment. Stay flexible and open to modifying your objectives to stay aligned with your long-term vision.
