The Voices in Your Head
I’m a big believer in the power of positive thinking. Positive – or negative – thoughts can significantly impact our confidence in our ability to do almost anything. Unfortunately, for most of us, the negative thoughts tend to be the most prevalent. If we are nervous about something, unfamiliar, feel a little out of our depth, then those self-doubting voices start to talk to us. “You can’t do this,” “You are sure to fail,” “You don’t have the experience to pull this off.”
As real estate agents, each time we are faced with a new opportunity – a listing presentation at a price point with which we have little experience, a negotiation with the intimidating top agent in your market place, an offer for a buyer on a new construction property, it’s natural to question our ability to handle the challenge. With unfamiliarity comes uncertainty.
But, challenges are what help us learn and grow. And, if we can train the voices in our head to be supportive and encouraging – rather than doubting and discouraging – then these unfamiliar situations can turn into incredible successes.
If you know how to handle a listing presentation at one price point, then you know how to handle it at another. If you can negotiate assertively with an inexperienced agent, then you can do it with an experienced agent. If you know how to present an offer on a property, new construction is no different.
Chose some key phrases to repeat to yourself when the voices start their negative talk: “You can do this!” “You have the skills you need to be successful!” “You know what you are doing, now do it!”
Be your own champion!