Success in real estate has traditionally been measured by GCI and financial targets, but does that really make us happy?
The data suggests not. The Revive Report revealed that 57 per cent of agents often or always feel stressed by their workloads, 47 per cent experience physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, and 31 per cent rarely or never feel they can take the time to achieve balance between their work, relationships, and health. A further 38 per cent said their work impacted their personal relationships quite, or very, often.
The RiSE Initiative has been focused for the past three years on building awareness of the importance of mental wellness in real estate, but what does that even mean?
This year, we’ve defined it as thriving – what is possible when you shift priorities in your life to enable a life that is thriving and sustainable.
At Rise, we don’t believe it has to be a choice between hustle and grind to achieve financial success, or have an enjoyable life with connected relationships and good health.
A life that is thriving in the context of a sustainable real estate career is one in which, as individuals, we can achieve success and fulfillment in our personal, family, and work life, and have all of them work in a congruent manner (but note, I’ve said “congruent”, not “perfect”, manner!)
Here’s the five key areas that we all need to focus on to truly thrive:
- Professional strength. A thriving life in real estate means that as an individual you have a sustainable professional career with a consistent flow of clients and income that can support your lifestyle. You can meet your financial goals, take on challenging projects, and continue to grow your skills and expertise. You enjoy your work, find it fulfilling, and are proud of your accomplishments.
- Stability. Stability is crucial for a successful career in real estate. With a steady stream of clients and income, you can plan, make investments, and save for your family’s needs. It also helps reduce the stress associated with uncertainty and financial instability. A sustainable real estate career can help you create a thriving personal, family, and work life in congruence.
- Flexibility. In real estate today we tend to define flexibility as being always available. It’s not! And equally, stability and sustainability don’t mean fixed or inflexible. The real estate industry is dynamic, and work hours can be unpredictable, so flexibility is required. To achieve flexibility, you ironically need to be highly organised and be good at planning and managing your time effectively.
- Support systems. A thriving life means that as an individual, you have a strong support system of friends and family as well as work family who help you achieve your goals. You have the time and energy to pursue hobbies, interests, and personal growth. You can maintain a healthy work and home environment and manage stress levels effectively. You’re also able to prioritise your physical and mental health, whether it be through exercise, yoga, meditation, a healthy diet, and regular mindset training.
- Relationships. A thriving life in real estate also means that as individuals we can maintain a positive and harmonious family life because it’s our relationships that truly matter to our heart and bring happiness. We are able to spend valuable time with our loved ones, provide for their needs, and support them emotionally. They then support us to create a nurturing and stable environment for our families to thrive in.
Remember, achieving a thriving life is a personal journey, and the balance will vary for everyone.
It requires self-awareness, commitment, and ongoing effort to find the right harmony between work, self-care, and family, but with mindful attention and adjustments along the way, it is achievable, and together we can all rise.
John Cunningham is the president of the RiSE Initiative.
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