What 2021 Taught Me

Since today is the last day of 2021, it seems fitting to do one last look back before making the leap into the New Year.
Every year brings lessons with it. This year more than most. It’s been fascinating to look back and realize how much has happened this year. 2020 felt like the year that wasn’t. We all stood by wondering what would happen and just trying to get through it. 2021 had so much more going on.
As I look back at the last 12 months, here are my biggest take aways:
- Stop comparing my busy with other people’s busy. I’ll be the first to admit that I often fall prey to comparison game, and I usually feel like I come up short. Everyone else seems to be busier than me. But then being the busiest agent wasn’t my goal. Being a productive agent with great systems that guarantee my clients great results and allow me to have a life was. Mission accomplished.
- It’s important to do what makes you happy. Travel makes me happy, and I was able to do quite a bit of it this year. It looked a little different than in years past, but I had some wonderful adventures and created priceless memories. I’m grateful for not holding back on that.
- I have to own my results – or lack there of. This one is more of a reminder, it’s not exactly new info. Being in a Ninja mastery group again really helped drive home the importance of systems and habits. When we work the system, the system works. When things aren’t working, it’s because I am off track and only I can fix that.
- I can’t do this alone. We often talk about building your tribe and how important it is. All this talk about ‘self made’ is just not true. At least not for me. My tribe is big, and it means the world to me. It includes family, friends, agents I mastermind with, coaches, a therapist (for the record, I’m not sure anyone can come out of the last 2 years without benefiting from a therapist) and more. My tribe is filled with mentors in all areas of my life. Personal, business and spiritual. I couldn’t do it without them.
- There are different metrics for success and it’s okay for mine to be different than yours. This is similar to the first one on the list, but it bears repeating in a slightly different way. There are a million ways to measure success. Make sure you are using YOUR metrics, not someone else’s.
What are your biggest take aways from 2021? How will it affect what you do in 2022?
To your success!
Nicole
Signup to receive Nicole's blog posts via email weekly:
Other Posts
What Happens When You Don’t Take Action On Your Goals
Hint: Nothing is not the correct answer. Actual answer: The Universe takes over and decides to help. I’ve been meaning to ask for and hire more support in my business for a while now. I have a million reasons why I haven’t done it. Apparently the Universe got tired of it being on my to…
Read MoreIt’s Okay To Take Time Off
Tomorrow is the 4th. This is your reminder – it’s okay to take time off. Just because technology allows us to work anytime, anywhere doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do, is to do nothing productive at all. Enjoy the day and be present. To your success! Nicole
Read MoreWarning! Comparison Monster Coming Your Way
July 1st is next Tuesday, and you know what that means… Your in box is about to be flooded with emails about being 1/2 way through the year asking if you’re on track with your goals. And right about the same time, you’ll see agents posting on social media about how they just closed another…
Read MoreBreathe – It’s a Contact Sport
Summer officially starts today! I live for the long days, spur of the moment dinners on the deck with friends, the warm weather, and relaxed vibe. Summer also brings its own special juggling act of navigating a shifting market, and clients that are not as focused on real estate. Side note – the market ALWAYS…
Read MoreWhat If Everything is An Experiment?
I’ll admit it, I’m not great at asking for help. Even when I know I need it. There are a variety of reason I struggle with asking: I’m busy and taking a step back to asses what I can outsource feels like one more task I don’t have time for. The task is something I’m…
Read MoreDon’t Believe The Hype
Does the market make you want to hide out? I’ve had SEVERAL calls from agents recently with clients that are putting them through the wringer. Whether it’s sellers not accepting offers, buyers taking forever to make decisions, or clients doing the exact opposite of what you thought they were going to do – managing your…
Read MoreThe #1 Reason Clients Don’t Choose You
Don Miguel Ruiz said it best in his book – The 4 Agreements: Don’t Make Assumptions Find the courage to ask questions Communicate with others as clearly as you can This one agreement can completely transform your life Beautifully said. Assumptions are the #1 reason your clients don’t choose you. As agents we assume many…
Read MoreLetter to My Younger Self
Today is my birthday. For me, birthdays are a beautiful mix of celebration, anticipation and reflection. This post is dedicated to reflections. Things I wish I could tell my younger self. Imposter syndrome is normal! You’ve spent so much time doubting yourself. Feeling like everyone else knows what they are doing while you’re still trying…
Read MoreManaging the Adrenaline / Emotional Roller Coaster of Real Estate
Closings, getting mutual on a contract, receiving a referral – there are lots of wins in real estate. Each one brings a shot of adrenaline that feels amazing. However, those moments are often short lived, with a lot of space in between. If you aren’t careful that space can fill with self doubt, insecurity or…
Read MoreWhy Proving Yourself Is A Bad Idea
I competed on a listing this week that I didn’t get. It was a great one too – awesome house, great clients. It was one I really wanted. When I got done pouting I took a few minutes to ask myself, ‘where did it go wrong’? Our first appointment was amazing! The second one, not…
Read More