Recently I joined a karate class with my son Zach who is my middle child. He had taken karate before this class but got bored with the repetition of kata (structured lesson) and just wanted to spar. I thought that if I took the class with him, he might enjoy it more because he was getting some alone time with his mom.
I was right, but for more reasons than just one.
Zach and I started our class three weeks ago. He just loves it and I am amazed by his memory. When we practice he is the one helping me. I am finding that I do really well with the lessons in class, then I come home and I get "karate block". Zach helps me remember the moves I have forgotten.
He is the sensei in our homemade dojo. I am the student.
I realize that the practice of karate takes focus. Focus on that single moment that I am in. So much of the day I am focusing on several things at one time. I used to pride myself on the ability to multi-task. It is a word that used to appear abundantly in job descriptions. A desirable skill, or so I thought.
Taking my karate lessons, I realize that the practice of multi-tasking is overrated.
Expanding this into the world of Web 2.0 I realized that spreading yourself thin all over the Internet networks isn't the best way to drive business to ring your phone. You can reach out on FaceBook, MySpace, Linked In, Multiple Blogs, Real Estate Forums, and the newest social networks.
If you chose to work more than a few consistently, you will start to resent that effort and it will start to bite back at you.
Let's face it- real estate is already a time consuming endeavor. If you've met someone who has entered the industry thinking that they will make easy money effortlessly and on their own time you have also met someone who has set himself up for a fall. Real estate is always working and the Internet never sleeps. Real estate requires education and knowledge while the Internet requires practice.
A good balance is what will make your business successful.
So back to my karate class with Zach. He is enjoying the class because he gets that singular attention with me. He is enjoying the class because he is able to be the teacher to his mom He is enjoying the class because he is honing skills that he can take pride in and feel a sense of accomplishment.
It is the karate class that is a reminder to play it on slow mo' and maintain a laser focused approach. Business results don't always come overnight. A melding of successful processes practiced consistently over time is what creates long term success. Prospects and clients will love your 2.0 communication skills, but a focus on your guiding principles will be what they are looking for.
I took a page from my class study guide and have altered it to fit my personal and business goals.
P.E.A.C.E
Positivity- I have a positive outlook on my life and I know I can accomplish my goals.
Expression-I am capable of expressing myself without disrespect to others and I do so with ease.
Attitude- What I was yesterday no longer exists. What I am today is what counts.
Confidence- I have a positive outlook on my future and I know I will accomplish my goals.
Esteem- I love myself with all my imperfections and I will always invest time in me. My business will grow as a result of any mistakes that I make along the way because I never stop learning.
These are my guiding principles...what are yours?
