Since the holidays fall over two weekends this year, I hope you’re taking some time to unwind and reset. You might even be taking a longer break from “real Estating” than usual.
But, as you’re putting away the wrapping paper and ribbons, finishing up your Netflix holiday movie queue, and waking up from your eggnog-induced coma, now is the perfect time to tackle a few small tasks that will help you start the New Year with a clean slate and a ready-to-work mindset:
New year with inbox zero
Your incoming emails have most likely slowed in the last few days, making now an ideal time to empty and organize it, and perhaps even keep it empty!
Don’t overthink this task. I use this strategy to keep my inbox at 0:
- If an email needs no action on your behalf, archive it immediately.
- If a message just needs a simple reply that you can write in a minute or less, respond and then archive it immediately.
- If the email will need more thought and the response isn’t urgent, snooze it to a time and date when you can handle it — later today, next week, etc. Get it out of your way and it will reappear when the time is right.
Send a New Year card or text
Even if you send holiday cards to your entire database, think about your people in the days leading up to January 1st and reach out with a personal message. It’s a considerate way to stay in sync with them. Make sure to acknowledge any recent changes in their life, family, or work — don’t just copy and paste!
Complete your 2023 business plan
This should have already been checked off your list, but if it hasn’t, there’s no better time than the present. Not sure where to begin? Here you have it, check our videos on YouTube:
Commit to one new business-building habit
What are those things you hear about other Realtors doing? What are the tasks you always put off because you don’t have time? Those things you always feel a twinge of regret or guilt about not doing? Select one and mark it on your calendar.
Need a push? These are some of the things successful Realtors have made habits of:
– Send 2 handwritten cards every day
– Send 2 CMA’s every week
– Write your daily affirmations every morning
– Have 50 real estate conversations every week and track them
– Create and send a regular e-newsletter
– Send one mailer every month
– Do 2 Open Houses every month
– Work floor time once every week
Action creates action. This is the work of real estate.
Commit to one new habit for you
I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but in addition to picking a ‘Word of the Year,’ I always make a commitment to a new habit. It’s amazing how quickly habits can become a part of your routine and your life if you just do them!
Consider:
– Adopting a daily meditation practice
– Adding a new weekly workout to your schedule.
– Reading one chapter of any book every day (start with Atomic Habits or Tiny Habits)
– Sleeping with your phone in another room
– Drinking more water
Happy New Year, and cheers to a successful, balanced and wonderful 2023!
