The Power of Processing

Welcome back to Beyond Buildings with The Freeman Factor. This week, I want to focus on something that has the potential to transform every area of your life: the ability to process situations effectively. It’s a skill that, when mastered, becomes a superpower—not just for your personal growth but for your career in commercial real estate (CRE).

In the fast-paced, competitive world we live in, the ability to slow down, think clearly, and make principled decisions is what sets the exceptional apart from the average. And here’s the good news: it’s a skill that can be learned.

Processing Situations: A Superpower in a Distracted World

Steven Furtick says it beautifully:

“Sometimes God is slowing things down to show us something.”

I’ve found this to be true time and time again. We live in a world that moves at breakneck speed, where the loudest voice and the fastest mover often grab our attention. But is faster always better?

Let’s take a moment to reframe: what if delays, obstacles, or challenges aren’t setbacks but opportunities to gain clarity? In faith terms, “God’s delays are not God’s denials.” In practical terms, taking time to process doesn’t mean you’re stuck; it means you’re strategically pausing to make better decisions. Legendary basketball coach John Wooden’s advice resonates here: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.”

The idea of processing situations with care applies not just to our personal lives but is especially critical in CRE. As brokers and advisers, time is our most valuable resource. The ability to step back, assess situations, and act decisively—not reactively—can save hours, secure better deals, and build stronger relationships.

Why Slowing Down is Essential in CRE

In CRE, you’re juggling multiple clients, deals, and deadlines at once. The temptation is to always stay in motion—always answering the next email, fielding the next call, chasing the next opportunity. But without pausing to process:

1. You Risk Missing Key Details: The difference between a good deal and a great deal often lies in the details. Processing allows you to uncover opportunities or risks others may overlook.
2. You Lose Objectivity: Slowing down helps you see yourself and the situation objectively. Are you operating based on facts or emotions?
3. You Compromise Relationships: Knee-jerk reactions, hastily written emails, or rushed decisions can harm long-term relationships with clients and colleagues. Taking a moment to process ensures your responses are thoughtful and aligned with your values.

How to Process Situations Better: A Practical Action Plan

Developing your processing superpower takes practice, but the benefits are profound. Here’s how you can start:

1?? Pause Before Reacting When you’re faced with a tough decision or a stressful moment, take a breath. Ask yourself: “What’s the bigger picture here? What am I missing?” Even a 10-second pause can make a difference.

2?? Adopt a Reflection Habit At the end of each day, take 10 minutes to process what went well, what didn’t, and why. This simple habit helps you identify patterns, avoid repeating mistakes, and stay aligned with your goals.

3?? Use Frameworks for Decision-Making Principles guide decisions. Create your own decision-making framework based on values like integrity, client-first thinking, and long-term relationship building. For example:

• Is this action aligned with my goals?
• Will this decision serve my clients’ best interests?
• Am I reacting emotionally, or is this a measured response?

4?? Leverage “Quiet Time” to Strategize Block 30 minutes to an hour each week for strategic thinking. Use this time to review your deals, pipeline, and relationships. You’ll find that by slowing down, you’re able to move faster and more effectively the rest of the week.

5?? Surround Yourself with Accountability Share your processing goals with a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague. They can help you stay grounded and offer perspective when you’re in the thick of things.

Processing Mastery in Action: CRE-Specific Examples

• Example 1: Negotiating a Deal Instead of rushing to counter a buyer’s offer, take the time to analyze their position and understand their motivations. This pause might reveal ways to structure the deal that are beneficial for both parties, strengthening the relationship and ensuring a smoother close.
• Example 2: Managing Multiple Clients When juggling multiple clients, slowing down to process helps you prioritize effectively. Which client has the most urgent needs? Which task aligns most closely with your long-term goals? Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’ll work smarter and more strategically.
• Example 3: Market Shifts When the market changes, the reactive broker panics. The thoughtful broker processes the change, studies trends, and identifies opportunities others might miss.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Processing

Processing situations effectively is one of the most valuable skills you can develop—not just in CRE but in life. It allows you to act with purpose, build better relationships, and achieve outcomes that align with your values. Remember, the goal isn’t to move slower but to act with clarity and confidence.

As you head into the next week, I challenge you to take a moment each day to slow down, process, and make decisions based on principles—not pressure. You’ll be amazed at how much more focused, effective, and fulfilled you feel.

Until next time, Logan Freeman Your Kansas City CRE Guy

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