As the first recipient of the Real Estate Apprentice Grant, I had the opportunity to study under both Success Strategies Institute (SSI, Tom Ferry), and, Hobbs Herder Advertising (Don Hobbs and Greg Herder). Both of these giant firms that support real estate agents in their business taught about the importance of a balanced life. SSI coaches refer to "The Circle of Life" (copyrighted) and Hobbs Herder teaches "Balancing Your Wheel of Life" (copyrighted).

The idea is that each of us has to function physically, financially, mentally, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and, within our work, family and community. Each of us has strengths and areas that need improvement! Coaches are trained to assess where we are and help us design strategies to achieve our goals, while avoiding burn out, or worst, quitting.

One of the key ideas for a new agent is recognizing that it really does take 3-5 years to build a business. Every successful agent will tell you that the first three years are tough! You are figuratively planting a field that will yield a harvest. That is why one of the key strategies recommended by business coaches is the idea of daily affirmations. The power of our words and our thoughts has a huge impact on ourselves and on the people around us.

As I reflect back on the past few months, I realized that I have really been exhibiting signs of stress and overload:

My workday averages 14 or more hours

• Cashflow has been weak
• We had a water main break and are still recuperating (I shared about this in a blog on polybutylene pipes!)
• On a personal note, my precious mother-in-law is terminally ill, my daughter has had two hospitalizations this year, and I have a new grandson!
• I am not exercising

You can see from my balance wheel, that many areas are strained and I am showing it. Minister Joyce Meyer calls it "stinkin' thinkin""""". My words are not always positive and this is going to impact not only me, but my business. Scripture says that there is the power of life and death in our words. This is so important, because we want to have positive energy for our clients (did I really say clients with an "s"!!).

Strategies:

Review your "balance wheel" and see what areas need improvement. Begin to reflect on ways you can take care of yourself by making small, incremental changes

1. Read: Hard Optimism (by Price Pritchett, PhD). It is a small but powerful book that reminds us of the importance of our attitude and thoughts. "The positive minded person interprets events from the angle of hope".. and is focused on blessings"."
2. Develop positive affirmations. Noting my need for improvement, my sister shared with me Joel Osteen's book, "Your Best Life Now". In it, he shares declarations for your life and I have decided to adopt a few of these as my daily affirmations! I know my coach will be proud. See if any of these work for you, and have a great week:

• I declare that I am blessed with God's supernatural wisdom and have a clear direction for my life

• I declare that I am blessed with creativity, courage, ability and abundance
• I declare that I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, and with faith, favor and fulfillment
• I declare that I am blessed with success, strength and divine protection
• I declare that everything I put my hands to do is going to prosper and succeed

PS: remember, faith is about believing what you cannot see. Although we are struggling in our new business, we will declare our bright future.

Kendra