Be thankful for deadlines, long lists, problems and issues.

A real estate agent needs to think twice before complaining about a seemingly endless list of tasks that need to be completed during any given business day. A busy day filled with a variety of tasks that include putting out fires and last minute miracles, in order to close, are going to be part of a top producing agent’s day just as prospecting, marketing and networking are.

Better time management will help reduce stress and add an additional hour or two to your schedule but in reality the only agents not faced with an endless list of tasks on a daily basis are the non producing agents.

I attended a meeting recently where the CEO of Watson Realty Corp., Mr. William Watson Jr. stated, “If your list of must-do tasks ever dwindle, you are in trouble.” His words rang true. If we are able to spend a lot of time playing online games or catching up on the latest office gossip, this is a clear indication that our “to-do’ list needs restocking.

Start by stocking up on ways to get new business. Make sure a significant portion of your day is used to meet new people. Once you start meeting new people; inspection deadlines, ordering surveys, meeting appraisers, ordering deposits, putting out fires and doing the impossible in order to close, all of these things and more will quickly find their way onto your lists.