Think about it. When you say no to one thing, you are really saying yes to something else.
Have you discovered – as I have – that business isn’t always a choice between good and bad. It’s more often a choice of good, better, or best.
Every choice has a sacrifice.
Being confident, being clear in the choice to say “no” or “yes,” and moving forward powerfully is a “skill” I’m intentional about continuously improving.
So, as we enter into December and the new year, may your No be No and your Yes be Yes.
When I say no to one thing, I’m really saying yes to something else.
Someone asked me recently, “Are you being faithful with your time?” It made me stop and reflect. I honestly had to give myself an 8 out of 10. We all strive to make the most of our time—whether it’s nurturing our faith, strengthening family bonds, or advancing our careers. But the reality is, distractions are everywhere, constantly vying for our attention.
The question then becomes: how do we prioritize what truly matters? How do we “keep the main thing the main thing”?
The answer is simple: intention and accountability. It won’t happen by accident. We must make conscious choices in each moment, aligning our actions with our values and goals. As leaders, we understand the power of intention. It’s the driving force behind every successful endeavor. But intention alone is not enough. We also need accountability.
Accountability is the engine that drives us to follow through on our intentions. It’s about having systems and support in place to keep us on track. For me, that means working with a coach and using tools like a weekly review process. This process involves reflecting on key areas of my life—faith, fitness, finances, family, habits, and learning—asking myself tough questions and identifying areas for improvement. This structured reflection helps me stay focused on what matters most and make necessary adjustments.
This isn’t about achieving perfection; it’s about continuous improvement. It’s about recognizing that time is our most precious resource and making a conscious effort to use it wisely.
So, I ask you: how are you managing your time? Are you being intentional with each moment? What systems of accountability do you have in place?
If you’re looking for support in developing greater intention and accountability in your life, I’m here to help.
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
Here’s the deal this week – the 5 words that kill more dreams than alcohol, drugs, addiction, and afflictions:
I don’t feel like it.
Of course, you don’t feel like it – do it anyway tomorrow and this week. Build those relationships, make those calls, write those notes, and launch that campaign.
ACTION creates insight and momentum. More DOING!
Of course, you don’t feel like it, of course, you might not be 100% ready, but of course it could always be better.
Do it anyway.
One of my leadership mentors, General George Patton said it best, “A Good Plan, Executed Now, Is Better Than a Perfect Plan Next Week.”
During the COVID lockdown, I wrote a blog titled, “Doing The Right Thing Is Always The Right Thing,” today’s unveiling of the recent lawsuit settlements brought that to mind.
I’m writing this from Tahoe, where I was part of a panel with the Realty Alliance on scaling your business. All the companies attending are the best of the best, yet some have 100 years or more of operations. You create a 100-year enterprise by always doing the right thing.
Some 20 years ago, I worked with buyers, and a co-op commission came up that was $1.00. Because I had adequately educated my buyer clients, I could show homes of any commission level—the right thing.
Today’s news released by all the major real estate news outlets summarizes some of the settlement points; only one is breaking news, in my view. The summary:
Significant
Redfin no longer requires agents to be NAR members.
Anywhere, company-owned operations no longer require NAR membership and encourage franchisees to do the same.
REMAX company-owned regions no longer require NAR membership and encourage franchisees to do the same.
Note: in most areas there is no procedure to have a hybrid membership brokerage – you are all in or all out.
Implication: Significant policy discussion at the local associations. And the decoupling of NAR, state associations, and MLS. The watch out – this could be like CPA’s not having GAP (generally accepted accounting principles). The wild wild West will not serve the consumer.
I’m a fan of the local and state associations and NAR. I see the value, the advocacy, the standards, the services like RPR, economic reports and research and so much more. More on this in another post.
I’m also a fan of freedom of choice… those who deliver the most value will not struggle to maintain members.
The Right Thing – Nothing Really New
The settlements also include the following:
Anywhere will prohibit their brokerages and agents from claiming buyer agent services are free and will also require agents to include the listing broker’s offer of compensation for prospective buyers’ agents as soon as possible in each active listing.
Agents must disclose that commissions are entirely negotiable and not set by law.
No minimum commission requirements
No technology or manual method that enables the sorting of listings by commissions offered.
The implication here? Nothing new – for over 20 years I’ve taught my agents to do the same, and executed my practice with these principles. Bringing these practices to a higher level of awareness is a good thing. Yet here is what I know, those who deliver the most value will not struggle to create thriving real estate practices.
For the vast majority of my REALTOR® colleagues – regardless of your brands position – is leadership and service not abdication. Get involved and be the change you want to see.
75% of the year is over… it’s time for a quarterly business and operations review! Is it scheduled? I have a powerful 21 question business review – info@winningtheday.blog
Are you ahead, behind or on track with your goals? In any case “declare it perfect and move forward powerfully.”
Review what’s working, what’s not. Make the adjustments, and keep moving forward.
Basic agenda:
Mission, vision, values and stakeholders – any adjustments?
Key KPI s
What’s work working What’s not
Start, start, more, less
Action steps (no more than 2)
The results will happen – as long as we are all willing to execute the daily activities, track the results, make the changes to the behaviors and engage an accountability partner.
Are you nterested or committed to what’s left of this year?
I ran across a YouTube video – Good with Jocko Willink– that reminded me of my good friend and mentor, Tom Ferry.
Tom and I were blessed to travel and work together on many projects, and I noticed one day when something did not go as planned, he said one simple yet powerful word:
Perfect!
Mark, declare it perfect. Good, bad, or indifferent, Tom would declare it perfect.Something didn’t go our way? Perfect – more time to get better! Unexpected challenges, perfect: we have the opportunity to figure out a solution. It was an intentional mindset and the opposite mindset of many people I know.
It’s an enabling core belief. I was thinking you and I don’t need a new market, a new tool, or a new widget. We need an upgrade to our belief system.
Perfect!
So maybe today, do as George did in Seinfeld Season 5, Episode 22 do the opposite. Or, like Tom does, declare it perfect. And that’s how you’ll win the day.
