How You Gonna Win, When You Ain't Right Within? Why Self-Care is Your Secret Weapon!

In the relentless pursuit of real estate success (and just dealing with everyday life😳), we often forget the most crucial asset in our arsenal: ourselves. It’s a common pitfall. We’re driven, we’re ambitious, and we’re always on the move. But here’s the thing – burning the candle at both ends only leads to burnout. As Seth Godin might say, if you don’t take care of your “why” – your purpose and well-being – everything else falls apart. Let’s rethink our approach. Let’s embrace self-care, not as an indulgence, but as a strategic imperative.

Flight attendants always remind us, "Put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others." It’s a vivid metaphor for life and business. In real estate, if you’re not functioning at your best, you can’t possibly give your best to your clients, your team, or your business. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. It’s the foundation of sustainable success.

Now if putting yourself first, just because it makes sense isn't enough for you, here are my top reasons why you can absolutely justify carving out that hour at the gym or even squeezing in that massage once a month:

• Enhanced Productivity: You’re not a machine. When you invest in your well-being through exercise, good nutrition, and sufficient rest, your productivity skyrockets. You make better decisions, solve problems more effectively, and navigate the complexities of the market with ease.

• Stress Reduction: If you didn't know (😜), Real Estate is a high-stress game. The stakes are high, and the pace is relentless. Mindfulness, meditation, and downtime aren’t luxuries; they’re your shield against burnout. They help you reset, recharge, and come back stronger.

• Better Client Relationships: When you’re well-rested and stress-free, it shows. You’re more patient, more attentive, and more empathetic. Clients notice this. They feel valued, understood, and they trust you more. This translates to stronger relationships and better business.

• Long-Term Sustainability: Success in real estate isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. To keep going, you need resilience. Regular self-care ensures you have the physical and mental stamina to thrive in the long haul.

Now, I am sure if you sat with yourself long enough, you could come up with a laundry list of ideas of what self-care could look like in your life, but that would require your take time for yourself and I could almost put money on it that if you are reading this article, that is a struggle for you!  So to help take you from education to implementation, I am going to help get you started by providing a few practical self-care strategies.  

• Schedule Downtime: If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t exist. I know most of you are sick of hearing this, but it is TRUE! Everything is an appointment. Block out time for yourself just like you would for a client meeting. This is your time to recharge. Treat it with the same importance.

• Set Boundaries: Work-life balance isn’t a myth. It’s a necessity. Set clear boundaries for work and personal time. Communicate these boundaries to your clients and colleagues. Stick to them. They will respect them and if they don't, most likely they are the reason why you had to set them in the first place!

• Engage in Physical Activity: Find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine. I am going to stress the word ENJOY because if you are like most of us, the idea of running a triathlon isn't exhilarating...it actually gives me hives thinking about it. It doesn’t have to be intense. Even a daily walk can work wonders for your mental and physical health.

• Practice Mindfulness: Start or end your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. It’s a simple yet powerful way to clear your mind, focus on the present, and set a positive tone for the day. When I started meditating daily, my everyday interactions and the way I saw things started to change.  I realized that the only thing I can control is myself. I repeat my Mantra, "Their only power is your reaction."

• Nourish Your Body: Pay attention to what you eat. Now, I would be lying to you if I said that I don't swing through the Chick-Fil-A line at least once or twice per week (Hello, I am in Real Estate and live life on the go🤪), but opt for nutritious meals and snacks when you can. Stay hydrated. Your body is your temple – treat it well.

• Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is non-negotiable and boy do I love my sleep! Anyone that knows me, knows I am in bed by 9:30pm.  Yes, I said 9:30! I also wake up between 5-5:30 am.  Create a bedtime routine that promotes restful sleep. Limit screen time before bed, keep your sleeping environment comfortable, and stick to a consistent schedule. 

• Seek Support: Don’t go it alone.  I promise you are not the only one struggling with this. Reach out to peers, mentors, or professional counselors. Sharing your experiences and challenges can provide valuable insights and emotional relief.

Incorporating self-care into your daily routine isn’t an overnight change; it’s a commitment. Start small. Identify self-care activities that resonate with you and integrate them into your schedule. Remember, self-care is an ongoing practice, not a one-time event. Plan the trip you have been thinking about, buy the shoes you put in your online cart two months ago, wake up 30 minutes early to go for that walk you been wanting to go on, read 10 pages out of the book you bought last year...you get where I am going with this! Regularly assess your well-being and make adjustments as needed. Nobody will prioritize your needs like you will. 

As we navigate the complexities of the real estate industry, let’s remember that our greatest asset is ourselves. By prioritizing self-care, we enhance our professional performance and enrich our personal lives. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your business strategy and watch how it transforms your approach to work and life.

Stay well, thrive, and remember – putting yourself first isn’t selfish. It’s smart.

Author: Carissa Mason