With recent technological advances, the common alkaline battery can last ten to fifteen times longer. Now, rather than batteries ending up in the trash, they can be placed in a special charging device for a few, short hours, their life span greatly enhanced.

In my daily interaction with people in the real estate industry, I see a huge number of "dead batteries" in dire need of a charge.

Here are some hints on putting life back into your life and your career.

1. Identify the need before it is too late.

If you wait too long before identifying the need for a break, weeks or months may be needed just to return to full power. Low battery symptons include: diminished desire to go to work; easily distracted; deriving little pleasure from success on the job (i.e., you sold a house and couldn’t care less); perpetual irritability (i.e., you answer the phone: "What do you want?"); inability to deal with everyday stresses such as appointment cancellations, rejection and slow drivers.

2. Be aware of drains on your power source.

Avoid: negative, ineffective, whiny people; non-productive activities (i.e., paper shuffling, attending non-bonafide appointments); too much time between breaks (if you can’t remember your last vacation, it’s been too long); over-extending yourself (i.e., saying ‘yes’ to every organization that requests your involvement).

3. Attract and implement things that give you more power and life.

Develop relationships with people who support you and what you believe in. Try to spend equal time on personal, family and business aspects. Do something nice for someone every day and expect nothing in return. Reward yourself for small and large successes. Strike while the iron is hot. When work is a constant passion, work harder. When your work is your play, you will never work another day in your life. Don’t take a break when your vocation seems like a vacation.

4. Make your holidays guilt free!

When you are "off duty," fully accept that you are on holiday. Don’t call the office. Be comfortable with the fact that your business will be handled well without you. Fully explore and enjoy wherever you are and make it virtually impossible to be communicated with. When vacationing, focus on being refreshed, rejuvenated and recharged upon your return, but avoid over-celebrating or over-planning so much that you come back feeling like you need another vacation.

Regardless of the power in your core, periodically you will need a boost. You hold the cables. You man the charger. Through early identification of a need, being aware of power zappers, maintaining positive relationships and taking intermittent breaks, you, too, will keep going and going and going....

Published: December 1, 1998

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