It's a gorgeous, azure-blue-sky day. The crispness of autumn is peppering the air while the sun still warms the chilling earth. What a great day to be alive!

This is the kind of day that demands we jump out of bed and shout to the world, "Hallelujah, it's a real estate day! I'm going out there and kick the competitions' collective butt! Today I'm Realtor® of the century!"

When you arose this morning (rain or shine) did you sound like that? If not, maybe you're not enjoying what you do as much as you should? Perhaps you've become discouraged by the changes in your marketplace. Is there discontent with your earnings? Maybe it's as simple as being out of balance in your life….too much work, too little play.

Here's a life rule everyone ought to follow faithfully. When anything stops being fun and turns to near drudgery (or is on its way,) quit doing it or change it back to enjoyable.

How does one take a lackluster real estate career and kick it up a few notches? Here are a few suggestions to turn things around:

1. Take stock

   Ask yourself these questions:

   • Would I rather work in a job where I report to a supervisor and am on a "clock?"

   • What would it mean to me if I had to suddenly limit my earning potential to suit the company? (Raises are lean and mean in Workforce 2004.)

   • Would I sacrifice independence for the perceived "security" of a 9-5 environment?

   These questions are meant as a reality checkup from the neck up. While real estate is challenging, and clearly success is insured only through the implementation of a well-orchestrated plan, the perks are significant: independence, control of one's income and self-governance. As the old adage goes, "If you can't take the heat, get away from the fire." To whom much is given, much is expected. So be grateful for the benefits afforded a Realtor® and quit whining.

2. More networking, please

   Part of the fun inherent in the practice of real estate is interacting with so many unique, varied personalities. Some we adore, while others, well, let's just say we tolerate at best. Anyone in the business for several years develops some great friendships and acquaintances. When we nurture these, not only does our business benefit through the referral opportunities but we also get to talk with people who like and respect us. Reaching out and touching these people helps us keep a positive perspective.

   We catch up on their lives, remind ourselves of the great good we provide in their lives and create the needed break from the woes of the challenging real estate day.

3. Go back to square one

   Why did you join real estate in the first place? No doubt it had a fair amount to do with the questions in #2) above. You wanted to foster a certain lifestyle for yourself. You saw great opportunities and the potential to fulfill dreams. Probably few or none of these reasons changed. You just forgot to live with an attitude of gratitude to yourself for choosing a course of action in line with who you are and what you want. Perhaps a bit of reflection will set your feet back on the right path.

4. Maybe I made a mistake

   If you've taken time to really analyze where you are, how you got there, where it is you're headed and found this was a wrong career choice (It's definitely not for everyone), then confront the misalignment, get clear on what's missing in your life and go for it! Early choices become paralyzing only when you allow them to morph into inaction. My favorite quote, "Winners commit in spite of. Losers commit subject to." Bring on the changes because you're not getting a second chance.

Happiness in any endeavor is largely a choice. We are all inspired by the likes of Christopher Reeve and Nelson Mandella. Handed harsh sentences, they rose up above their earthly circumstances and turned adversity into advocacy and in the process changed many lives for the better.

You can choose to see the humor in the ups and downs of real estate day-to-day life or you can grouse, get old quicker, develop a snarl and become exactly what you are: useless.

The choice is yours!

Published: November 3, 2004

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Marylyn B. Schwartz, CSP, is a noted expert in real estate and corporate sales training, team development, customer care and diversity issues. She is president of TEAMWEAVERS and a trainer for Leader's Choice, the number one real estate sales training program in North America. Marylyn is also an author and Business/Life Coach. Contact her at , or visit her website at teamweavers.com.