I can’t imagine anyone disagreeing with me that the last couple of years have been really trying. From a global pandemic to electronics parts shortages to inflation to our industry experiencing the biggest roller coaster ride in our history… you name it – things have been tough.
Many people I know in this business are, well, no longer in this business, having chosen real estate sales, going back to college, early retirement and many other endeavors as a better option. Those of us who have stuck around have faced morale problems in our teams, the need to pay people more even though our profits are being squeezed, increased logistical challenges, and in many cases, audiences with a lower tolerance for mistakes.
A lot of folks are just plain crabby and irritable, and they take it out on the world with snarky social media posts, negative reviews for the smallest infraction, and out there on the streets with some of the worst driving I’ve seen in my life. (And I’ve been to Boston!)
It’s no secret, I’m sure, that maintaining a positive attitude always makes a difference. So, how can we do that, given all of the above? It’s certainly more of a challenge to “look on the bright side” than I can recall. Here are some observations and suggestions.
One. I noticed that during the shutdown months (or more than a year in some parts of our industry) there were three kinds of people. A – the folks who couldn’t handle it for whatever reason and changed careers (I can’t blame them at all!). B – the people who used the time to rest, relax, recharge, spend time with family and friends (I can’t blame them for that, either!). And C – the kind that figured out this was the time to hit the books, take online courses, woodshed, practice, innovate, and be ready for when things re-started to have a jump on the competition.
Frankly, from what I observed, all three approaches worked out well for the vast majority – often we need to do a better job of listening to our own needs instead of worrying about what others think of us. No one else is likely to really take care of us like we can if we really listen and do what our hearts tell us we need to do. My advice is to figure out which approach or combination of approaches makes the most sense, for us, and us alone.
Two. Speaking of which, setting goals is really important. It’s certainly easy to wallow in the “here and now” and realize, rightly so, that things are rough and that we could really be miserable.
However, if we have a plan, we can work that plan and stay focused – even if it’s just to develop a routine for getting up at the same time every day, exercising, eating well, spending time with our significant others, and watching comedies on TV instead of slasher movies. (Or, if slasher movies are what make us happy, then more of that!)
It’s the plan that counts as much as anything else – setting and sticking to goals, checking in occasionally to see if the plan needs adjustment, and then ultimately reaching those goals.
Three. Our industry is full of amazing talent, and even better, many of those talented folks are more than willing to share. The Signal to Noise Podcast, Brian Maddox’s Audio Opinion Show, Robert Scovill’s Back Lounge, among many, have shown us the importance of staying in touch, giving back, sharing, and simply being involved.
There are ways for all of us to do this, and these days, if there isn’t something that fits the bill for us personally, it isn’t that difficult to start something ourselves! Mainly the message here is stay connected. Secondarily, the message is watch, listen, and learn. The amount of giving, sharing, teaching, and learning I’ve observed in the past three years is incredible. All of us should be a part of that in whatever way makes sense for us.
Four. I’m certain that we’ve all heard the phrase “don’t take it personally” many times. Probably too many times. And the truth is, it’s extremely unlikely that there’s anyone out there trying to “get us.”
Yes, things have been tough and we’re faced with challenges. It might seem like the universe is against us but it simply isn’t true. These things just happen and we’re caught in the middle. It can be difficult to flip this around, but acceptance matters. At the same time, one of my favorite quotes is, “Let’s take some of the things we have no control over and do something about them.” Either way, the idea is that there is very likely something we can do, and this can give us hope.
I’ve often described it as the difference between an infantry lieutenant pointing at the opposite hill and telling the platoon: “This is suicide – they have machine guns all over the place, the ground is terrible with mud and barbed wire everywhere, and I told the colonel that we couldn’t do this, but he insisted.”
Or how about this: “See the top of the hill over there? Imagine the glory you’re going to feel when you’re standing up there with your buddies planting our flag.” Which one is more likely to motivate the troops and get the job done?
Five. It can be quite easy to let “small things” turn into “big things.” We all experience small annoyances, such as a every traffic signal turning red on our way to the shop, our coffee order getting messed up, a rude customer, and so on. And these things can feel big at the time, especially when we’re stressed about meeting deadlines or paying the bills.
It’s really important to keep things in perspective, and one of the ways to work on it is to have empathy for others. I try to think “Everyone out here is similarly stressed, and I should cut them some slack.” Give them a smile, say thanks, give a bigger tip than normal, etc. Those things feel good.
But more importantly, we can benefit from turning big things into small things. Break up the problem. Try to solve only part of it, not the whole thing. Eat an elephant one bite at a time. Small problems are manageable and don’t feel as overwhelming.
Six. Finally, choose your circle of friends and colleagues carefully. Ideas are contagious, and we want to catch the good ones. Who in your circle is encouraging? How about those willing to learn?
When we observe someone with a good attitude, we can make a mental note to ourselves that first, we can do that, too, and second, we then know with whom we want to spend more time. Now, of course, we can’t choose our family, but we can set limits and boundaries for our own mental health.
And this is the point – it’s so much about attitude and having a positive one is about choices we make. Take stock in the good, aim in the right direction, plan your work, and work your plan. See you on the other side!
