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Working in real estate is tough. You’ll need to be prepared to work late into the night and on weekends, and deal with a lot of stress. This job can really test you, no matter how much experience you have. Whether showing homes or closing a deal, you’ll be available to assist clients at all times. To do it well, you have to put in a lot of time and be emotionally and mentally strong.
Back in November 2017, something happened that made me see things differently. I went to a Denver Broncos game with some real estate colleagues. We took a group photo at the stadium and when I saw it later I was shocked at how unhealthy I looked.
I was too skinny and clearly not eating right or taking care of myself. I put all my time into my work, as you can see in the photos. This is a wake-up call. I realized that I had been putting work before my health for a long time.
Finding a good balance between work and personal life is important, especially in real estate. If you focus on work without having fun, you may start to burn out. This can make it difficult to stay sharp and do your best for your clients. But if you take care of yourself and take some time to relax, you’ll find that you can work better, communicate more effectively, and handle the ups and downs of work with ease. Taking care of yourself not only makes you happier; It can actually help you succeed in this demanding business.
Let me share with you how I’ve managed to get my life and health back on track, finding the balance between hard work and a good life.
Prioritize self-care
Back in 2017, I realized I was working too much when I noticed I was getting so thin and unhealthy. I decided to start doing yoga every day for 60 days to help myself feel better. The 60 days turned into 90 days because I saw how important it was to take care of myself every day. Routine is less about yoga and more about training yourself to get used to the routine.
After those 90 days, I started following an online exercise program that was a bit difficult and taught me the basics of exercise. Over time I tried different forms of exercise and learned a lot about staying healthy and eating right. The most important thing I’ve learned is how to be consistent, no matter how I feel.
If I don’t change my lifestyle, my health will get worse. I started having joint pain, wasn’t sleeping well, and was drinking too much caffeine just to keep going because I was so exhausted. No, I don’t drink any caffeine, but I have more energy throughout the day. In order to achieve this, I have to prioritize self-care.
If you’re like me and exhausted, it will take time to get better, but it’ll be worth it. Changing your habits and making time for yourself every day can really improve your life. Don’t let your work take up your focus – make sure to take care of your own health, too.
Establish a support system
Starting to take care of yourself is not easy. I thought I would start and keep improving, but that didn’t happen. I often find myself falling back into old unhealthy habits. I realized that I needed friends or family to help me stay on track and share the journey with me.
At that time, my brother was of great help. He lives very close, only about 10 minutes away, and has a gym at his house. I asked him if we could exercise together every day. He agreed and we started exercising for at least an hour every day. This really helps me stick to my plan and not skip workouts.
I learned that doing something regularly is the key to sticking with it. Sometimes you need a partner to help you move on, especially when you start falling back into your old ways. Having someone to exercise with makes a big difference.
I generally don’t like asking for help, so it took me some time to realize the value of having a support network when making big life changes. We all tend to stick with what we know and like. But when we join forces with like-minded people, our chances of success do increase over time.
set boundaries
In real estate, staying connected all the time can be tricky. It’s great to respond quickly, but it’s not great if it means you’re always stressed. It’s wise to tell your customers how you prefer to communicate (via email, phone or text message) and when they can expect to hear back from you.
I began to understand that I was putting my clients’ needs before my own, leading me down a path of unhealthy habits and self-neglect. I missed meals because of work, and the constant pressure to please every customer caused me to neglect my own happiness. However, once I learned the importance of establishing professional boundaries, I started reclaiming some of my own time, which was a truly liberating experience.
Some people can wait, but others may ask you to answer as soon as possible. You’ve seen this before. It’s important to stick to your rules and tell them you won’t always be available. Let them know you will respond when you start working again. Don’t feel bad about putting off your reply until the next day. Staying happy and stress-free is more important than any transaction.
benefit
Maintaining a good balance between work and personal life can help you get more done and stay focused while you’re at work. When you make time for rest and fun, you’ll stay energized. This means you’ll return to work feeling refreshed and ready to go.
Additionally, when you’re less stressed and happier overall, you’ll think more clearly and be better at problem-solving. Adding movement and healthy activities to your daily routine can help you become stronger and more energetic, making it easier to cope with a busy workday.
A balanced life will also make you enjoy your work more and help you manage your time better. You learn to schedule time in your day to do important things instead of rushing.
Plus, when you’re away from work, you might come up with great ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of while sitting at your desk. Balancing work and play not only makes life more enjoyable; It helps you do better at work.
result
It’s been over five years since that eye-opening Broncos game in 2017, and I’ve been focusing on my health and fitness ever since. Learning to eat and exercise is an ongoing process. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve been extremely grateful that I’ve prioritized my own happiness and, in time, set clear boundaries around my work. This decision profoundly changed my life.
Now I enjoy a steady flow of energy throughout the day, which has significantly improved my productivity. Good health means thinking more clearly, being more organized, and approaching life with a more positive attitude. This change has benefited me personally and made me a more effective and empathetic real estate agent for my clients.
This article discusses a lot about restoring good physical health, but these ideas are just as important for your mental and emotional health.
First, it’s important to realize that you need to make time for your health. Then, start new habits and create a schedule that includes when you will develop these habits. The main idea is to make space in your life to take care of your physical and mental health before things get worse.
For those who struggle with self-care, start by exploring the benefits of a simple exercise and nutrition plan. Start with small, manageable changes and don’t focus on immediate results. Aim to create lasting healthy habits rather than just focusing on achieving a specific look. Be patient and commit to maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life every day.
Let this be a reminder to all of us in the real estate industry: investing in yourself is not a self-indulgent act, but a necessity to do your best work and live your best life.
Andrew Fortune is the owner and managing broker of Great Colorado Homes, Inc.
