What if There Was A 12 Step Program for Recovering Real Estate Agents?

You know I speak to a ton of agents every week about their businesses. I am their manager, their coach, their therapist. I try to be a friend too. And I want to help.

One of the (far too) recurring themes I hear from agents is that they feel burned out and tired all the time. 

You aren’t taking time off, and it shows. Sorry, but I call ’em like I see ’em.

I was joking with someone the other day that it’s like agents are addicts.

 Addicted to the work. Addicted to the deals. Addicted to the feeling of control. Addicts don’t always know they’re addicted, and they usually don’t think they need help. But you guys are addicted to real estate!

I jokingly said to the person I was joking with that they needed a 12 Step program like AA has. They laughed at first, but then agreed with me. So here I am with my tongue in cheek outline. While this list is, I hope, entertaining, I truly think if you took some of these lessons to heart, you’d have a much better experience in real estate and in your life.

The 12 Step Program for Real Estate Agents

Step 1: Admit You’re a Control Freak
Acknowledge that your need to control every aspect of your business is causing more stress than success. The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem… with letting go.

Step 2: Believe in the Power of Delegation
Come to believe that a team of capable people (or at least one decent assistant) could restore your sanity and allow you to enjoy life outside of work.

Step 3: Turn Your Phone Over to a Higher Power
For just one hour, give up your phone. If it survives the experience, maybe you can too.

Step 4: Inventory Your Client List
Make a searching and fearless inventory of your client list. Realize that not every client is a “now” client, and it’s okay to let a few leads go. Value alignment or misalignment can lead to either a thriving business or an agent with PTSD.

Step 5: Admit to a Colleague That You Need a Vacation
Share with a fellow agent that you haven’t taken a real vacation in years. They’ll either relate or stage an intervention.

Step 6: Make a List of Unreturned Phone Calls
Jot down all the calls you haven’t returned because you were too busy micromanaging. Then, realize most of them weren’t urgent… or even necessary.

Step 7: Humbly Ask for Backup
Whether it’s from your manager, your spouse, or your favourite local bartender, ask for help. You don’t have to do this alone-life or real estate.

Step 8: Make Amends to Your Family and Friends
Apologize to loved ones for every time you’ve answered the phone at dinner, on a date, or during your kid’s recital. Maybe even leave your phone in another room next time.

Step 9: Take Time for Self-Care
Block out an afternoon for yourself. Whether it’s a spa day, a hike, or just a nap, self-care is key to recovery. Real estate can wait. Remember, there is no such thing as a real estate emergency.

Step 10: Continue to Practice Delegation
Regularly assess your workload and delegate tasks to others. If you relapse into micromanaging, start again at Step 2.

Step 11: Seek Balance in Your Life
Remember that work-life balance isn’t just a myth. Strive to balance your passion for real estate with your passion for living.

Step 12: Share the Program with Others
Having had an awakening, share this 12-step program with fellow agents who may be suffering in silence. You’ll be doing them a favor-and yourself one too.

Ready to get started on your recovery? 

Call me.