Like many proud parents, I love celebrating my sons’ achievements—even if one chose the UCSC Banana Slugs over the UCI Anteaters! But today, I’m tackling a different kind of “ant”—the Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) that can infest our minds.

Coined by Dr. Daniel Amen, ANTs are negative thought patterns that can sabotage our well-being. Dr. Amen’s inspiration came from a literal ant infestation in his kitchen, a stark reminder of how these mental pests can overrun our minds, stealing our joy and clarity.

Every thought triggers a chemical reaction in our brain. Negative thoughts—like sadness, hopelessness, or anger—release chemicals that can cause physical symptoms like clammy hands, muscle tension, and rapid heart rate. They can also impair our judgment, learning, and memory. Conversely, positive thoughts release chemicals that promote relaxation and mental clarity.

So, how do we exterminate these mental ANTs? First, we need to identify the common species:

• Fortune Telling: Predicting negative outcomes without evidence (“I’m going to fail this presentation”).
• Mind Reading: Assuming you know what others are thinking (“They probably think I’m incompetent”).
• Guilt Beatings: Using “should” or “must” to create feelings of obligation and self-criticism (“I should have done better”).
• Blame: Shifting responsibility to others, preventing personal growth and problem-solving.
• Labeling: Using negative labels to describe yourself or others (“I’m a failure,” “He’s a jerk”).

Here’s a simple three-step strategy to crush your ANTs:

1. Catch It: When you notice a negative emotion, pause and identify the thought behind it. What are you telling yourself?

2. Name It: Determine which type of ANT is at work (fortune telling, mind reading, etc.). Giving it a name helps you recognize its pattern.

3. Challenge It: Question the validity of the thought. Is there real evidence to support it? What’s a more realistic or positive way to view the situation?

Example:

• Thought: “I’m going to mess up this meeting.” (Fortune Telling)
• Challenge: “I’ve prepared thoroughly. While things might not go perfectly, I’m capable of handling whatever comes up. Focusing on the potential negative outcome is only making me more anxious.”

By consistently practicing this three-step method, you can weaken the power of ANTs and cultivate a more positive and productive mindset. Don’t let these mental pests control your thoughts and emotions. Take charge and reclaim your mental well-being.

Accept, Reflect, and Redirect to Win The Day.

The more unpredictable the environment, the greater the opportunity. Consider this:

• Competition: It demands speed, quick reactions, and agility.
• Wisdom: It requires patience, reflection, and a long-term perspective.
• The Art & Science: Balancing both is key.

To navigate the unknown effectively:

• Anticipate: Stay ahead by foreseeing trends and challenges.
• Challenge: Question assumptions and explore alternatives.
• Interpret: Understand context and adapt.
• Decide: Make informed choices.
• Align: Coordinate efforts with purpose.
• Learn: Continuously improve.

You can’t see the picture when you’re In the frame. Any testimonials?

Looking for a different perspective, DM me.

In today’s fast-paced world, there are countless conference opportunities for agents, team leaders, and broker-owners. Among them, Inman Connect events in New York and Las Vegas. This year’s Las Vegas event was no exception, offering a wealth of learning and networking opportunities.

The main topic?

Co-op commission sharing is dead, and how to move forward in a new commission model. 

No matter which conference you choose to attend, it’s essential to have a plan for what comes next. That’s where my 4-Step Post-Conference Guide comes in. Professional conferences are unparalleled opportunities to expand your network, gain fresh ideas, deepen connections, break out of your routine, and shake things up.

Yet, many of us struggle to take action after these events. Why is that?

Often, it’s because we return home with an overwhelming amount of information to process.

To combat this, it’s crucial to create a post-conference action plan that empowers you.

The key to a successful post-conference routine is taking ACTION.

Here are 4 steps to maximize your conference investment:

1. Network Post-Event: Don’t let those valuable connections fade away. Follow up, close the loop, and build relationships for referrals, accountability, and more.
2. Leverage Your Social Channels: Showcase your commitment to excellence and service by sharing your conference experiences on social media. Highlight how your time investment benefits your customers and potential clients.
3. Organize Your Notes into a Checklist: Commit to action by creating a checklist of key takeaways and sharing it with an accountability partner, mentor, or coach. Checklists are powerful tools that help you get more done and keep your brain happy. According to research summarized by best-selling author Maria Konnikova, here’s why:
   • Your Mind Seeks Organization: Lists tap into our preferred way of receiving and organizing information at a subconscious level.
   • Spatial Processing: It’s easier to remember items when they’re written down in bulleted or numbered points.
   • Categorization: We process information more efficiently when it’s organized into lists rather than clustered in paragraphs.
   • Time Awareness: Knowing how long tasks will take increases our commitment to completing them.
   • Self-Reinforcement: Checking off items from a list provides a dopamine hit, encouraging us to return to the list for more.

   Do your brain a favor and break down what you learned into actionable checklists.

4. Take Action NOW!: Don’t wait! Procrastination only delays your success. Implement what you’ve learned immediately.

So, there you have it—4 steps to make the most of your conference experience!

Have you ever noticed a correlation between winning, market performance, and being a “solutionist?”

• How do I add more value?
• How do I contribute more?
• What problems can I help solve?
• When I place the client’s needs above my sales objectives it leads to more referrals and more business

That’s a growth mindset for winning in any endeavor, yes?!

“Solutionist!”