Practice Makes Comfort and Consistency

Do you remember when you first were learning to ride a bike, or drive a car, or use a computer? At first, we were awkward, slow and fairly incompetent. The way we improved was to practice on a routine basis. As a result, we began to feel more comfortable, we were more consistent, and we began to improve. The more we practiced, the more consistent we became and the better we got. It is a fact of life! Yet, many of us feel if we can’t do something perfectly the first time, then we are failures. Here are some guidelines to developing greater comfort and consistency in any venture we choose to undertake or skill we want to gain.

• Find someone who is already doing what you want to do and ask them to help you. This person is your Mentor.
  
  
• Set specific time aside on your calendar to learn and practice your new skill.
  
  
• Practice on a consistent basis (once a day) even if for a short period of time.
  
  
• Tell others what you are doing as an incentive to keep practicing.
  
  
• Demonstrate your new skill or competency to others.
  
  
• Enjoy the journey and the small progressive steps you are taking. Notice your progress and improved consistency.
  
  
• Be patient. Rome was not created in a day.
  
  
• Celebrate your small successes!

For example, as you practice using the Get Your Sphere In Gear® program, you will feel more comfortable and will be more consistent in staying personally connected to the people in your Sphere. Practice does help us be more comfortable and consistent!

First Things First!

How do we insure that we are doing the most important work each day?

The four “D” system is an easy way to prioritize your work so that you do First Things First. Implementing it helps ensure you are always doing the most important stuff first. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes. Here is how it works:

To begin with, make a list of all of the things you need to do.
Then assign one of the four “D”s to each task.

• The first “D” represents “Do it”. These are the things you want to accomplish during the next few weeks. After identifying these tasks, prioritize them so that you start with the most important task first.
  
  
• The second “D” represents “Delay it”. These are things that you want to do, but can delay until later. Schedule them in your PDA so they are not forgotten.
  
  
• The third “D” represents “Delegate it”. These are activities and tasks that you can get someone else to do. Identify who you are going to delegate the work to and provide specific directions, without micromanaging.
  
  
• Finally, the last “D” stands for “Delete it”. This is stuff you don’t really need to do. Cross them off your list.

By following this system, you will always be focused on your highest priority work so that you move your business and life in the direction you want to be going.

Create a Routine - Create Balance and Success!

One of the most successful habits you can create is developing a flexible daily routine. Routines help ensure that we consistently get the most important work done each day, each week, each month and each year. Daily routines are easy to create, but challenging to follow. The three components of a successful routine are:

• Activities you do for yourself
  
• Activities you do for your business
• Activities you do for your family

Here are some simple guidelines of what to include in your daily routine.

• Start the day with Exercise. You will feel energized and your mind will be sharper as a result. Most people are more successful getting their exercise in before their work day starts.
  
  
• Read a short prayer or meditation to express your gratitude for all the good things you have in your life.
  
  
• Eat a healthy breakfast so you have energy to get through the morning.
  
  
• Call at least three people in your Sphere of Influence to stay connected. Do this before you open your e-mail.
  
  
• During the day, focus on the single most important work that will most positively impact your business.
  
  
• At the end of the day, spend 10 minutes planning for the next day.
  
  
• Have dinner with your family each night.
  
  
• Spend at least one hour with your spouse, partner or a friend.
  
  
• Go to bed at a reasonable hour so you feel refreshed in the morning.

Most people spend each day 'hoping' they get the important work done, often times neglecting themselves or their families.

Remember that this is a “flexible” routine, so when special situations arise, be flexible.

You will create balance in your life by consistently implementing a routine that helps you be physically, emotionally and financially successful!

Create Your Vision - Create Your Life

A vision inspires us to accomplish what we are most passionate and committed to achieve. It helps us stay focused on our priorities and decide how best to use our most precious resource - time.

Here is my vision: 'I inspire people to discover their courage so that they lead healthy and wealthy lives'. This statement helps me focus on how I can live a 'courageous' life while helping others do the same. It means trying new ideas and activities that expand my comfort zone to insure that I grow as an individual, as a father, as a husband, as a friend, and as a Coach.

The following 5-step process is a simple and straightforward formula for creating your Vision. Your Vision will create excitement and positive energy for you and others who read and experience it.

• Start with the word 'I' - Your Vision is all about 'you', so we start with the word 'I'.
  
  
• Action Word - what do we do for others - words of action like discover, help, motivate, support, teach, direct, coach, provide.
  
  
• Who, or What, do I direct the action toward - who is your action directed to? Examples include people, athletes, young adults, animals, people with special needs, artists, etc.
  
  
• The Outcome or the result of the action - this is the result of the action. In my example, 'to discover their courage'.
  
  
• The Benefit of the outcome - this is the benefit of the action. It answers the question: What's in it for me? The benefit is preceded by the words 'so that'.

Most people do not have a Vision because they simply have not taken the time (usually one-hour) to create one. Is it worth one-hour of your time to think about, gain clarity, and create your vision to help guide your future? What other priorities are more important? If you want some help and guidance in creating your Vision statement, drop me an e-mail at coach@stuartkaufman.com.

Take Note on How to be Memorable!

An easy and effective way to be more memorable is to write handwritten notes to your clients and prospective clients. Think of how many handwritten notes you receive. Probably not very many. And, what do we do when we actually receive a handwritten note? We usually keep it for a few days or even a few weeks. Handwritten notes separate and distinguish us from all of our competitors. Write notes as a follow-up to phone calls and meetings, or just to stay connected with people in your Sphere of Influence. Notes need only include three sentences. Here are the three sentences along with some examples:

1. Acknowledge and thank - ‘It was a pleasure talking (or meeting) with you today.’ OR ‘Thanks for taking time to meet with me today.’
   
   
2. Personal reference - ‘I am glad to hear that you had a great time in Los Angeles.’ OR ‘I am glad to hear that you are really happy with your new home’.
   
   
3. Offer to be of assistance - ‘If I can every help you, or someone you know, with any Real Estate need, please let me know.’ OR ‘I am always happy to help you, or someone you know, with any of your Real Estate Needs'.

Other important stuff:

• Always include a business card

• Have note cards, stamps and return address labels readily available

• You cannot write too many handwritten notes!

How to Act in Spite of Fear!

Most of us allow our fears to limit what we achieve in our lives. Most of what we fear never happens, yet we allow it to profoundly affect us. To act in spite of our fear, we need to identify what we are actually afraid of, and the expected positive outcomes of moving forward.

• What things are you afraid of doing? Begin by identifying the activities and things you would like (in your life and business) that are not happening due to fear. Complete this sentence: I would like to do (or achieve)_________, but I am afraid of what might happen. Make a list.
  
  
• Identify the specific fear that is holding you back. Now clearly identify what you are actually afraid of. For example, the first time I swam across the Columbia River, I was terrified and fearful. I thought about all the things that could happen to me (a shark attack - even though there are no sharks in the river).
  
  
• Identify the worst and best potential outcomes of doing what you are afraid of doing. In the above example, the worst thing that could happen is that I could drown - even though I was wearing a buoyant wetsuit which would of prevented that. The best thing that could happen is that I would become comfortable with swimming in a large body of water and actually enjoy myself and finish the event (which is what happened). The upside outweighs the downside, which is usually the case.
  
  
• Eliminate disempowering and limiting language. Many of my clients unknowingly disempower themselves by using negative words that weaken their motivation. These words include: hope, maybe, perhaps, and should. Become aware when you use these words. By eliminating these words from your vocabulary, you will feel more empowered and confident.
  
  
• Act in Spite of Fear. The difference between successful people and less successful people is that the successful people feel the fear and move forward anyway. So, begin to do those things that are fearful - and you will quickly realize that you can act in spite of fear. Remember that fear really stands for False Expectations Appearing Real.
  

How to be Proactive!

Being proactive is one of the defining characteristics of successful Real Estate agents. When you initiate a call or meeting with someone in your Sphere, you are taking control of your business and being proactive. Proactive people create their own success, instead of waiting for others to call them.

1. Take 100% responsibility for your success! Your success depends only upon you and the initiative you take. You are the person responsible for the quality of the life you live. Be responsible and be proactive!

2. Create a written plan that is clear and motivating. When we write down what we want to achieve, we are creating a vision of what we most want to accomplish. And, we are much more likely to actually implement our plan!

3. Take small actions each day. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. How do you Get Your Sphere in Gear? One phone call at a time!

4. Publicize your plans. Let others know what you are passionate about. It creates enthusiasm and accountability.

5. Visibly display your plans and goals. Before I rode my bike around Mt. Rainier (153 miles) in one day, I put up a big map of Mt. Rainier so I could visualize and internalize the route I would be riding.

By following these 5 tips, you will be more Proactive and will be taking responsibility for your own personal and business success!