Being extraordinary often requires going beyond what is comfortable. The very successful agents are the ones that are willing to do what others aren’t willing to do. They will prospect just a little longer…… Or they will risk trying a new marketing idea that is unproven, just to see what will happen….. They will go the extra mile for the client or even for the FSBO who has not yet decided to list…..

It’s much like the horse races that are won by inches….It doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be 10 times better, but just better than the competition. It’s a matter of having a little bit higher standard of excellence and doing just that little extra more.

It also means to be most focused and work most effectively, you have to balance it by knowing yourself and your needs for rejuvenation time. Just as in exercise, go for the focused intensity instead of “more, longer, harder.”

Here are a few choices you can make:

1. When you choose to be extraordinary, go for it with "10" intensity.

Like the horse races are won by a nose… The extra push in intensity produces the difference between being comfortably focused and being intentional and extraordinary. That “day before vacation” mentality that accomplishes zillions of things in one day can bring forth miracles if practiced on purpose. Give yourself permission to get out of balance and work like a crazy person when you set your mind to a challenge. The difference now is that it isn’t a way of life but an intentional place you can go: knowing why and for how long.

2.When you choose to relax, enjoy it.

You might believe that the opposite of a workaholic lifestyle is laziness. If you have bought into the Nineties success model that even gave status to a person who was so busy they never could take a day off, then give yourself permission to do nothing sometimes. To not contribute, to not make a difference, to not say yes to things because you have a little space on your calendar. Make yourself instead of someone else happy for a change.

3. Choose to have a balance of both play time and extraordinary time.

Do you like the energy of extremes? Or do you prefer to do "everything in moderation?” Give yourself permission to choose when you want to completely relax and when you want to go for it. Putting both extremes and moderation into your life enriches you and creates fun and challenges.

If you enjoy extremes and adrenaline rushes or if you thrive on consistency, moderation and getting predictable results, there really isn't a right or wrong way to live. The most important choice you have is to give yourself permission to do it your way, in a way that makes you happy.

Questions to ask yourself

1. What’s your natural style and are you being true to it? Tip: When you are being true to yourself, there is a feeling of peace and ease. When your goals are not in alignment with your values and needs, struggle surfaces.

2. Where are you holding yourself back and not giving your personal “10” when focusing on producing results in business? Tip: Identify 5 areas of your business where there is 1 more thing you could do that would raise your standard of service or make a difference in your results. From 9-10 is not far, but it is like the horse than wins the race by a nose… or the Olympian that wins by just a few hundredths of a minute. You do have a reserve you can call on…..you can do more than you think. Amp up your intensity and don’t be satisfied until you find the well of reserve if you are interested in excelling!

3. Where are you serving others' needs to the detriment of giving yourself all the nurturing and space you need?

Tip: This week, say NO at least once more daily than you normally would. Only say YES to things that will enliven you and bring you joy. Perhaps there is a listing you need to let go of or other high- maintenance clients that you need to refer out or get out of your life.

Published: July 3, 2001

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