Patience
Patience is not one of my virtues! I even have a little sign in my office I bought years ago that says, God grant me patience, and I want it right now! I've often said my cautious, analytical, phlegmatic husband was put in my life to teach me patience. He is actually a wonderful model of it as well as being the polar opposite of my energetic, speedy, and sometimes impulsive nature. Ah, it is so true about how we are attracted in a mate to that which we are missing and then once the attraction (or is it lust?) wears off a bunch, it's what makes us crazy. But then, I digress....
I choose Patience as the topic this week because of the angst I see many agents feeling and expressing about markets that have not felt "normal'. One of the definitions of patience in Webster's is "steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity". In further researching the word, the thesaurus also added having patience means willing to endure and/or being inconvenienced without complaint.
If you are like most agents I know, this is not your Modus Operandi! We are often driven by a control freak tendency that is sorely tried by waiting patiently for buyers to get off the fence or for the lenders to make a decision on a short sale. In today's markets, our ability to control the environment and circumstances are illusionary (and this is really so in ALL markets-just more evident when the results are not happening to our satisfaction or expectations!). The timing is not unfolding for most of us quick enough. This doesn't mean you can't make a great living now. It just means you have to make some adjustments (or Shift as Gary Keller says in his book of the same name).
You know, as a coach, I am always directing you to look at what you CAN do from where you are. If actually developing some patience with yourself, the clients and the environment isn't possible, the shift can be to examining your expectations and systems. Your expectations are one of the most powerful drivers for your satisfaction. It is often said, "we get what we believe." I know this is true for me and for most of my clients. Our clear vision and expectation of the future we want leads to actions and synchronicities that lead us there, many times, in unexpected ways and times.
Having the ability to feel certain the harvest that you want is coming because you are planting the seeds and watering them is a demonstration of patience. The universe seems to have a sense of humor with the timing thing, it seems to me. The harder I try to MAKE something happen, the longer it seems to take. I have been inquiring into the distinction of allowing vs forcing. Going with the flow and trusting myself, knowing if I am taking daily actions, I am moving towards what I want.
The one thing I do know is that frustration right now is not a useful emotion. If you are in a fog, moving 3 feet in ANY direction is good!
Coach's Actions Steps>
•1. Visit your attitude. Is there a shift from Forcing to Allowing that would lighten things up and feel better? Re-contextualize the immediate environment.
•2. Visit your systems. Do they address today's market needs? Do you need to add items to the value you are creating for buyers and sellers? What?
•3. Visit your support systems. Do you regularly spend time with a mastermind group or coach who can help with the perspective and fresh ideas?
Borrowed Wisdom
How do you stay focused on your vision for the future, instead of sucked into the worries about everything you hear around you? James Ray was one of the teachers in The Secret. He shares this wisdom,
"Most people look at their current state of affairs and they say "this is who I am". That is not who you are. That is who you were. Let's say for instance that you don't have enough money in your bank account, or you don't have the relationship that you want, or your health and fitness aren't up to par. That is not who you are; that is the residual outcome of your past thoughts and actions. So we're constantly living in this residual, if you will, of the thoughts and actions we have taken in the past. When you look at your current state of affairs and define yourself by that, then you doom yourself to have nothing more than the same in the future".
What you focus on expands....to move past your current circumstances, a passionate vision, a certainty in your worth and your gifts, are the lighthouse on the shore that holds success.
attract clients to you instead of randomly pursuing new business.
impressed with the challenges he's overcome? His mental attitude and innate competitiveness present an inspiring example.
