It’s readily accepted that the people around you have a significant impact on how you think and how you act. As Earl Nightingale said many years ago, “Your income will be the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. No matter how you try to shield yourself from negative people, it is much safer to spend time with positive people.
Picture yourself on a rubber raft at the beach on a beautiful calm sunny day. There’s no wind and you don’t seem to be moving anywhere. 20 minutes later you look up and you are 100 yards down the beach from where you started out. You didn’t notice you were moving. It’s the same with those you associate with, they will move you in a plus or minus direction even though you don’t notice it happening. It’s very subtle but it’s always happening.
Here’s a great strategy to ensure you are always “moving down the beach in the right direction”. Take an inspiring person to lunch every two weeks. Interview different people and ask them a series of questions. Things like… “What inspires you? What books are you reading? What would you do differently next time around? How do you stay motivated? Etc.”
These interviewees don’t have to be real estate salespeople – anyone in your community you know that is interesting and inspires you. In following this approach personally, here’s what I learned – inspiring and interesting people love to help others. You won’t have any trouble finding people to take to lunch. Start putting it in your calendar and be sure to have your questions ready.
Make sure your rubber raft is moving in the right direction. NO Excuses.