Through my real estate company I have learned a lot about being patient. I have come to realize that many times things don’t work out exactly as planned. A closing will be late, the house will be messy instead of spotless, etc. This has been more the rule than exception this year. With the changes in lending, fear of buyers, and sellers trying to hold on to every cent available, things tend to get a bit heated, feelings hurt, and well just plain inconvenient for somebody.
I make it a point to remind myself to remain calm for my client and the other agent. I am to be a source of strength and comfort and not a mirror of their anxiety, fear or anger. My job is to hear them out and find a solution. Staying calm and composed is difficult. When things seem to be out of control I try to remove myself from the emotion and take an outside look at the situation. The old saying goes “You can’t read the label of a soda bottle from the inside.”
Taking an outside look can bring perspective to the whole ordeal. You’ll discover how each side is approaching the problem and can sometimes find an adequate solution by helping the clients gain perspective. Other times people just won’t want to see the other side.
I have found that people often make temporary issues a big deal because it’s happening to them right now. Often many of this problems could be solved in a day or two. Some inconvenience may be had, but in the end it really doesn’t matter (song reference, do you know it?)
I have had several situations this year that had me bent out of shape and I was finding it hard to get out the “bottle”. Then my wife told me about a co-worker whose wife has a rare form of cancer that has caused her bones to become brittle. She has broken ribs while sneezing and cracked vertebrae while turning in bed. Instantly the problems that seemed giant weren’t. Perspective is powerful. I remember the example that Tony Robbins gives about bothering his mom because he did not have the newest shoes. She told him it could be worse, some kids don’t have feet so they have no shoes.
If you find yourself in a tough situation that you can’t move yourself to outside the bottle, get some perspective. This won’t solve the problem right away, however your mindset will change and help you move closer to a solution by changing your angle of approach.
I was edging my yard the other day and had to replace to line rather quickly. After putting new line in I noticed I was going through it faster than normal. I was frustrated, hot, and tired. After few deep breaths I took a look at the problem with a more calm attitude than the previous time. I then noticed that the edger head was titled slightly and was set at the wrong angle. A slight adjustment and good to go. Going at a problem with the wrong angle can make all your effort meaningless.
Perspective ultimately helps you find best angle of approach to find a solution to your dilemma.
Have a blessed day,
Joseph Cortez
Joseph Cortez 