Eat the Elephant! Stop Procrastinating and Get Things Done
Stephen Meadows
?? RealTrends 500 Executive | ?? Trusted Merger Consultant | ?? Networking Enthusiast | ?? Real Estate Industry Thought Leader
Ever felt like your yearly business goals are this massive, overwhelming beast? Well, you're not alone. Setting a comprehensive business plan can often feel like trying to eat an elephant. But what if I told you there's a surefire way to make it manageable? Today, we're diving into a strategy that will help you break down those huge goals into bite-sized tasks you can handle with ease.
The Thanksgiving Hangover
We've all been there – the bloated feeling after a massive Thanksgiving feast. You might jokingly say you ate an elephant, but when it comes to your business plan, this analogy holds real weight. As real estate agents, entering a new year means charting out your goals, crunching numbers, and laying down a roadmap for success. It’s a time-consuming process that often leaves you staring at a mammoth plan, asking, "Where do I even start?"
Breaking Down the Beast
You’ve heard the saying, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." This nugget of wisdom is gold for tackling your business plan. Instead of letting the sheer size of your yearly goals slam you into a wall of overwhelm, break your plan into small, accomplishable tasks. This method not only simplifies the process but also makes your goals seem much less intimidating.
Embrace SMART Goals
The key to effective goal-setting is to be SMART. Yes, SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When you set goals using the SMART framework, they become clear and actionable. For instance, rather than saying, "I will close more deals next year," break it down: "I will close 2 deals each month by following up with 5 new clients every week." This granularity makes your objectives realistic and within reach.
Daily Tasks for Long-Term Success
One of the tricks to not getting overwhelmed is focusing on what you need to do each day. It’s easier to mentally commit to small tasks. For example, instead of aiming to make 60 calls a month, target making 3 calls a day. Even though the math is the same, breaking it down makes it manageable. Every call you make or every card you send out is a step closer to your bigger goal.
Navigating Unique Challenges
The landscape today has unique challenges, like the global pandemic affecting our ability to meet clients face-to-face. But don't let that be a blocker. Leverage social media and virtual meetings to keep those connections alive. Always ask yourself, "What small tasks can I do today to move the needle just a bit more?"
The Little Things Add Up
If there's one takeaway, it's that small actions, consistently executed, lead to significant results. You’ve got the big, beautiful business plan; now, break it down quarterly, monthly, and even daily. This approach can mean the difference between success and another year of missed goals. Just like my team and I manage to churn out 50 articles a month by dividing the workload daily, you too can hit your targets by taking it one step at a time.
Real estate isn't about giant leaps; it's about steady progress. So, set those bite-sized goals and watch as you digest that "elephant" one bite at a time!