Let's talk about why "Words Matter."
Having had time over the last 2 weeks for Musing: (noun: a period of reflection or thought), I've collected my thoughts and will bring you today what I've been thinking about and some consistent questions I've been answering. Musing, not a word I use a lot but will more in the future now that I've researched the true meaning, is the first of 10 words that I will explore today, explain their meaning in context or give the relevancy of these words in discussions I've been having with many of you.
Reset vs. Check Out: Periods of time given to us for a reset are a gift. One of my favorites quotes is "Almost everything works better when you unplug it". A reset, with intention, will help you and your business perform at a much higher level. Rest is necessary for high performance. With intention, means that you have given yourself a certain period of time away with a plan to fully re-engage on a certain date. To check out, in my opinion, is that you have no plan to fully re-engage your business after a certain amount of time. Here's the trap: If you attempt to reset without intention (check out), plan on needing 1 day to re-create your momentum for every day that you check out. As Darren Hardy said in one of his recent emails, "Summers is where the BIG -MO (momentum) goes to die". For example, if you take 10 days to check out, you will need 10 days to recreate your habits, routines and momentum. If you do a reset, the re-engagement process is much more quick and simple.
My Book Recommendation of 2022: "The Gap and the Gain - The High Achievers Guide to Happiness, Success and Confidence" - from @goodreads:
As he did in WHO NOT HOW, Dr. Benjamin Hardy shares one of Dan Sullivan’s simple yet profound teachings that until now has been known only to his Strategic Coach clients: unsuccessful people focus on “The Gap,” but successful people focus on “The Gain.”"[T]his one simple concept is a masterclass on positive psychology, healthy relationships, mental well-being, and high-performance. Everything that psychologists know about how to create a high-functioning and successful person can be achieved using The GAP and the GAIN."- Dr. Benjamin Hardy. Most people, especially highly ambitious people, are unhappy because of how they measure their progress. We all have an "ideal," a moving target that is always out of reach. When we measure ourselves against that ideal, we're in "the GAP." However, when we measure ourselves against our previous selves, we're in "the GAIN." That is where the GAP and the GAIN concept comes in. It was developed by legendary entrepreneur coach Dan Sullivan and is based on his work with tens of thousands of successful entrepreneurs. When Dan's coaching clients periodically take stock of all that they've accomplished-both personally and professionally-they are often shocked at how much they have actually achieved. They weren't able to appreciate their progress because no matter how much they were getting done, they were usually measuring themselves against their ideals or goals. In this book you will learn that measuring your current self vs. your former self has enormous psychological benefits. And that's really the key to this deceptively simple yet multi-layered concept that will have you feeling good, feeling grateful, and feeling like you are making progress even when times are tough, which will in turn bolster motivation, confidence, and future success. If you're finding that happiness eludes you no matter how much you've achieved, then learning this easy mindset shift will set you on a life-changing path to greater fulfillment and success.
Toggle: noun: a key or command that toggles or transitions between 2 modes, such as "toggling to airplane mode". I have started to use this word to describe what is required by you the broker when it is necessary for you to "toggle" between real estate broker and marketer, or toggle between real estate broker and life partner/father/mother/friend/sister/brother. Your ability to "transition" from different versions of yourself will make a massive difference in your ability to happily and productively function in this industry and at home.
"How's the market?" - this is where words can really matter. Try to avoid "it's slowing down. It's gotten pretty quiet." The better phrase is "we are definitely seeing the normalization in the market, post pandemic, which was expected by mid year. We're seeing a significant portion of our clientele put their searches and listings of their homes on hold this summer in lieu of family travel and reconnection with their friends and family. We're expecting a stronger fall with momentum into 2023. " Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty summed it up beautifully in marketing statement: "The Atlanta market is going from white hot to strong". We're seeing this play out in Chicago and around the country. Team, as of today, I'm feeling more positive about the real estate market as a whole than I was 6 weeks ago. What hasn't changed is that this market will require a true professional to navigate it.
"2023" - start right now thinking about 2023. Your efforts (seeds) within your business will always show up (harvest) 3 to 6 months after. You've had an amazing run in 2020 and 2021 but some of you know that there is another completely different, higher level that you've yet to hit and want to hit. Start now. Redefine what "work" is for you. When you find that you are spending less time working "in your business", it's time to "toggle" to working "on your business". You are aware of the projects that have been put off over the last 2 years because of "lack of time". Take time for your reset , redefine work and finish off those projects. Challenge yourself with one simple statement "I realize if I do not get this project done in Q3 or Q4, I need to realize that it will never get done".
"Thoughtfulness" - can be defined 2 ways. (1) the state of being absorbed in thought (2) consideration for the needs of other people. Both apply nicely to today's call but let's focus on #2, the consideration for the needs of other people. We live in difficult times full of self serving, self absorbed people. If you bring any form of "thoughtfulness" into your business, the natural, authentic return on your time and investment will be noticed and will come back to you 10 fold. Go get sold. If you see someone in a restaurant or in retail providing a great experience, let them know. When you are thoughtful, everyone wins. Better yet, your frequency will soar.
Bonus word is "2021". As it relates to your business, forget 2021 ever happened. We will never see a market like that ever again. Compare your 2022 production trend lines to 2019 and 2020.
Team, "Words Matter". I gave you 10 words today plus a bonus word and put them into context in a way that they can be effectively used in your day to day. There are so many more words out there that need to be elevated and used in a more productive manner. It's time to beat up your presentations, your scripts and your actions. If you want to elevate your life and your business, many times it starts with your words.
Have a great week. The weekly email with transcript, recording will be out tomorrow. Later today, you'll be able to find this episode on Apple Podcast searchable under Ask Jim Miller. For those of you on my email list, you'll get the recording, notes with links to supporting articles and podcasts and tomorrow morning. If you'd like to subscribe, just email my team at [email protected] and they'll add you.
