Brokers are some of the busiest and hardest-working professionals in the real estate industry.
Sourcing inventory, negotiating deals, client servicing, and handling a multitude of administrative and lead generation tasks can be incredibly rewarding, but this frenzied pace can also lead to burnout if you’re not careful.
The concept of work/life balance is a topic of intense discussion these days as people face more pressure than ever to be “always on,” constantly connected, and increasingly productive. It’s crucial to carve out time for yourself and build good mental health habits.
What moves can you make to avoid burnout while enjoying a rewarding career as a top broker? Let’s explore how to build a sustainable lifestyle while preserving your entrepreneurial spirit.
Take a Step Back
You spend countless hours focusing on the needs of your clients, but it’s vital to practice some self-care whenever possible.
If you feel stressed, unbalanced, or dissatisfied, take a moment to step back, get in touch with your emotional state, and evaluate how it’s affecting your work performance and personal life. What are your current priorities? Your well-being and that of your family should be at the top of the list.
Sometimes the signs of burnout or exhaustion can manifest in physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach trouble, chest pains, or insomnia. If you begin to feel these effects, consult a physician as soon as possible.
Consider your options and make a plan of action. It could be that you’re stressing about tasks that could be automated or delegated — or not getting enough sleep, exercise, or healthy food.
You’ll be more effective as a real estate professional when you are fully nourished, rested, and refreshed from spending time with your loved ones.
Learn to Say No
It’s also important to set boundaries. New brokers especially can be under a lot of pressure to perform and take on more work than they can handle.
Business people (and improv comedians) are encouraged to say “yes, and” to promote communication and receptiveness to new ideas. But sometimes you really do have to say no. While it’s tempting to take on every client or sign up for every seminar, your quality of work will diminish if you’re spread too thin.
It’s hard to say no to your network, but setting boundaries and giving yourself the respect you deserve is critical from a self-care perspective and will keep you from becoming overworked and disillusioned.
Embrace Your Support System
A strong ecosystem is an essential element of success as a top real estate broker. Even if you’ve been in the field for a few years, being part of a team and working with a mentor can help you avoid burnout and scale your real estate business sustainably.
The best brokers are those who are an expert in their particular niche. Strengthening your network gives you access to local knowledge and insights from a variety of sources. Your support system can also offer a competitive advantage when it comes to delivering the best results for your clients.
Your brokerage may not be able to provide the most robust resources to help real estate agents find success, especially in a competitive market. That’s why it’s imperative that you build a strong foundation of healthy habits and a team you can depend on through thick and thin.
Rejuvenate Yourself
Of course, several days of relaxing on the beach in Hawai’i, on a Caribbean cruise, or in some peaceful, remote location will do wonders for your mental health. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to drop everything and go on vacation. The demands of bills, childcare, and other obligations don’t come to a halt just because you desperately need a break.
However, there are ways to recharge your spirit while staying close to home. Here are some simple tips for reducing your stress and recharging your batteries:
- Disconnect from social media for a day
- Start a journal
- Create some art
- Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises
- Play with some friendly pets
- Indulge in a guilty pleasure
- Have fun with friends and family
- Develop a hobby
- Take long walks
- Enjoy nature (aka, go outside)
Many busy professionals also find refreshment by learning a new skill or switching up their daily routines. You may also want to consider speaking with a therapist, counselor, or another health professional. Sometimes just talking about your problems with an objective listener can help you discover a new and more effective path.
Love What You Do
The best real estate brokers are those who couldn’t imagine doing anything else besides helping clients find the perfect home or investment opportunity. But it’s easy to lose track of what’s important and become overwhelmed with work.
Getting burnt out isn’t inevitable if you take steps to achieve a balance between your career and your personal life. Self-care is crucial to operating at peak performance and finding fulfillment.
Partnering with other industry professionals and having colleagues you can rely on is vital to building a thriving business.
At Landtrust, we provide a variety of resources for busy real estate pros and ensure you’re delivering stellar customer service. Reach out today to see all the ways we can help you grow your business!