Login
iscover
Why tough tasks should be tackled first.
Imagine starting your day with a sense of calm, having already conquered the most challenging task on your list. It’s not just a dream; it’s a strategy that I champion as a game changer for real estate professionals. “Eat the frog” is the art of tackling the hardest, most unenjoyable task first. But why is this approach crucial in real estate, and how can it be implemented effectively?
The real estate reality check
Let’s face it – real estate isn’t just about showing glamorous properties to potential buyers. It’s a demanding profession that involves dealing with difficult clients, navigating complex negotiations, and managing numerous commitments. The high-pressure environment can often lead to overwhelming stress and the temptation to procrastinate on daunting tasks. This is where “eating the frog” comes in.
Hard stuff – those tasks we dread – loom large over our days. They’re the client meetings you anticipate will be tense, the cold calls likely filled with rejection, or the paperwork that simply won’t sort itself. The traditional method of working through a to-do list can leave these looming tasks until late in the day, sapping energy and motivation. Instead, taking on these tasks first can transform our workday and alleviate stress.
How to eat the frog effectively
1. Identify your frogs: Start by making a list of your daily tasks. Do this the night before. Highlight the ones you dread the most. These are your frogs. Once identified, make a commitment to tackle these first thing in the morning.
2. Prioritise and prepare: Prepare the evening before. Whether it’s studying market reports, preparing negotiation strategies, or planning open houses, having all necessary materials ready will ensure you hit the ground running the next day.
3. Break it down: Massive tasks can feel insurmountable, but breaking them into smaller, manageable steps makes them less intimidating. Tick off each step to maintain momentum and gain a sense of accomplishment.
Why it matters
According to productivity studies, starting your day with the biggest challenge leads to a significant reduction in overall stress levels. When the toughest task is behind you, there’s a psychological boost that makes other tasks feel more manageable. But it’s about more than that.
Being truthful
The most important thing our clients need to feel is that we are being truthful. Eating the frog early is far more truthful than not dealing with that daunting task, and not saying anything. Not saying anything is not being truthful.
Addressing industry challenges with confidence
Real estate professionals often cite time management as a pivotal challenge. With “eat the frog”, you’re not just improving daily efficiency but setting a precedent of resilience and proactivity. It instils a sense of discipline that permeates every aspect of professional life, paving the way for balanced and diligent work habits.
A call to action
Implement “eat the frog” in your daily routine and experience the transformation yourself. Start tomorrow by tackling that client call you’ve been dreading, or finalising those contracts collecting dust on your desk. See what happens when you place challenges at the forefront – because the only thing stopping you from being the most efficient version of yourself is not knowing where to start.
“Eat the frog” isn’t a mere mantra; it’s a mindset. It’s a path for success in real estate that is firmly rooted in strategic action and proactive behaviour. It’s about facing challenges head-on and rewarding yourself with a day that’s not shadowed by undone tasks. I guarantee that the most daunting issue – the frog you face eating – is far bigger in your mind than it is in reality.
Take the first step. Eat the frog.
Adrian Knowles is the CEO of Harcourts Australia.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.