Enigmatic French/Cuban author Anais Nin once wrote that “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
I am reminded of Anais’ commentary everyday, as in pertains to business, my career in real estate and life in general. It’s the difficult decisions that I have observed Realtors struggle with, act upon and avoid, that have in many ways separated those who are among the most successful from the rest. It’s the way it’s always been, and I suppose the way it will always be.
Many Shapes and Sizes
Decisions that require courage are cloaked in a variety of disguises.
- How do I help a buyer client understand that their goals are unrealistic and they need to be re-shaped?
- What will I have to give up in order to gain the mind share that I am looking for with a particular demographic?
- What is the most magnanimous way to explain to a potential seller client that the price at which they are hoping to sell their home is a long shot at best?
- I’m not feeling that I am getting all the support that I need from my company, yet the unknown is frightening.
One or the Other
The consideration of company support is a fascinating one. At times one’s business is not quite where they want it to be, mostly due to their own ineptitude or commitment. In other instances, however, a business person has everything that it takes to meet with success in their particular field, but they are not getting the mentoring and coaching that they need. For many, introspective analysis is difficult at best, thus deciphering the difference between the two is an arduous task.
Interesting Observation
I have learned a lot about courage from my role in recruiting. After a few years of doing so, I made an interesting observation. Those who moved quickly after determining that such a move was in their best interest, typically met with the most success. I initially attributed this to risk taking, and the fact that those who are methodical tend to have the biggest challenges as a realtor. But now I understand that it is more than that. Yes, making a move of any kind, changing your environment and expanding your relationships involves risk. And the willingness to expand involves courage, as Nin so insighfully stated.
What act of courage have you displayed of late?
What decisions have you avoided?
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