Mar. 10, 2009 - What's Your Patience Quotient?

Patience is not one of my virtues! I even have a little sign in my office I bought years ago that says, God grant me patience, and I want it right now! I’ve often said my cautious, analytical, phlegmatic husband was put in my life to teach me patience. He is actually a wonderful model of it as well as being the polar opposite of my energetic, speedy, and sometimes impulsive nature. Ah, it is so true about how we are attracted in a mate to that which we are missing and then once the attraction (or is it lust?) wears off a bunch, it’s what makes us crazy. But then, I digress….

I choose Patience as the topic this week because of the angst I see many agents feeling and expressing about markets that have not felt “normal’. One of the definitions of patience in Webster’s is “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity”. In further researching the word, the thesaurus also added having patience means willing to endure and/or being inconvenienced without complaint.

If you are like most agents I know, this is not your Modus Operandi! We are often driven by a control freak tendency that is sorely tried by waiting patiently for buyers to get off the fence or for the lenders to make a decision on a short sale. In today’s markets, our ability to control the environment and circumstances are illusionary (and this is really so in ALL markets-just more evident when the results are not happening to our satisfaction or expectations!). The timing is not unfolding for most of us quick enough. This doesn’t mean you can’t make a great living now. It just means you have to make some adjustments (or Shift, as Gary Keller says in his book of the same name).

You know, as a coach, I am always directing you to look at what you CAN do from where you are. If actually developing some patience with yourself, the clients and the environment isn’t possible, the shift can be to examining your expectations and systems. Your expectations are one of the most powerful drivers for your satisfaction. It is often said, ”we get what we believe.” I know this is true for me and for most of my clients. Our clear vision and expectation of the future we want leads to actions and synchronicities that lead us there, many times, in unexpected ways and times.
Having the ability to feel certain the harvest that you want is coming because you are planting the seeds and watering them is a demonstration of patience. The universe seems to have a sense of humor with the timing thing, it seems to me. The harder I try to MAKE something happen, the longer it seems to take. I have been inquiring into the distinction of allowing vs forcing. Going with the flow and trusting myself, knowing if I am taking daily actions, I am moving towards what I want.

The one thing I do know is that frustration right now is not a useful emotion. If you are in a fog, moving 3 feet in ANY direction is good!

Coach’s Actions Steps >

1. Visit your attitude. Is there a shift from Forcing to Allowing that would lighten things up and feel better? Re-contextualize the immediate environment.
2. Visit your systems. Do they address today’s market needs? Do you need to add items to the value you are creating for buyers and sellers? What?
3. Visit your support systems. Do you regularly spend time with a mastermind group or coach who can help with the perspective and fresh ideas?

1. My Sister of Perpetual Indulgence, Nancy, in Florida sells wonderful sheets and Indian Jewelry in her eBay store. She reads my Tips each week and wondered why I hadn’t told you about her! So, if you need sheets or Indian Jewelry, here is the place to go!
2. I have a Mindful Bell on my computer that gives me a wonderful chime at the top of each hour. I use it to “be here now.” Or said another way, take a moment or two and close my eyes, take a deep breath and relax. Taking a minute to relax every hour is really, really good for you! Get yours here from the Washington Mindfulness Community.

• Are you on target for your 2009 Goals?
• Do you have a good social media strategy?
• Do you like fresh ideas and brainstorming with other positive agents?

• Review and adjustment of 2009 Business Plan
• Awesome Year Planning Guide
• Look at the most viable strategies for success for 2009
• 4 Hour Legal CE Credit (SocialMedia-Tips to Avoid a Risk Management Nightmare with Frances Thorsen)
• Personal Coaching on developing your Social Media Business plan
• Mastermind & Network
• 2 days, meals and shared lodging

• Do you have travel in your future?
• Want to learn how to save time and money?
• Do you deserve to go on an amazing vacation even if you think you cannot afford it?
• Make some residual income?