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Noticing

Writer's picture: diane terrydiane terry

February 2025

Hello Friends,

 

Traditionally, February has been the month to spread love and happiness. I remember a teacher years ago, who had students write something nice about each of our classmates on a strip of paper and on Valentine’s Day we got a small mason jar full of strips. I often think about that and wish I still had that jar some days to be reminded of kind things people can say. I think we could all use a mason jar of kindness these days. 

 

This post inaugural February has been a head spinner. I don’t want to get too political because regardless of what I feel about POTUS, I do believe we are all entitled to our vote. What I will say is this. It is easy for some of us to feel unmoored, attacked, panicked and frightened. THAT is exactly what they want. So in the words of Mel Robbins, “Let them” but more importantly let’s concentrate on the “Let Me” portion of this equation. After all, it is the only portion we can control. It is so important that you do the things that keep your tank full so that you can give to others, but you can only do that after you have used that oxygen mask for yourself first. Read that last sentence, at least two more times. 

 

The end of year was great for goal setting and January was a month of tweaking and re-engineering my days so that I can be sure to make those goals come true. Someone asked if I would be willing to share what I mean by that. Of course!

 

Rituals.

When the world seems to have gone off the rails, I take solace in my simple daily routines that keep me grounded. I always start the night before and figure out what my next day looks like and have a dry day outfit and a plan b, rainy day outfit planned.

I have my 5 x 8 routine, which is encouraging 5 people by 8 a.m. If you are alert, the Universe will point out those people. I then do the NYT Mini Crossword and Connections and then move to the goal of zero inbox. The simpler your routine, the more calmly you can begin your day. I am keeping all of the above for 2025.

 

Filter out the noise.

Who gets your attention the first few hours of your day? Are you building in enough ME time to get centered before you begin your day? A big change I had to make was to block out the whiners. You know the folks that are endlessly complaining about the behavior of others but do NOTHING about it. Nope. Can’t. I know that bitching is a culturally bonding thing to do but I cannot be around it. Now if you see an issue and want me to help you make a change, I am all in. But to spend time whining about it over lunch or dinner with no intention of action will always be a full on, no thanks. In fact, I have eliminated all dining experiences where I walk to my car afterwards wishing I had stayed home reading a book. Time is too precious. 

 

Choose differently for different results. Eliminate and replace.

Do you find that you are always mindlessly eating sweets or other non-nutritional food? Why?  Because it’s there, you can change that.  Don’t allow it in the house. Want to stop drinking? Get rid of anything that tempts you. Replace it with something else instead. We have little to no processed foods in the house. 

 

Start comparing yourself to ONLY yourself.

The real estate business is a competitive industry. Stats are thrown around shiny websites that make some agents look like rock stars with no mention how they treat their clients, if take their fiduciary duty seriously, or are if they respected by their peers. With enough money, you too can look like you are Selling on Sunset. So it is very important to know your own why. Someone might be selling 100 homes a year but divide that by the number of agents on their team. Or delve into their budget and you see they spend six figures buying Zillow leads. I am NOT saying there is anything wrong with that, but just make sure you are comparing apples to apples or better yet, not comparing at all. 

 

Recognize the difference between productive and busy. 

I think this is where good, solid, Business Planning comes into play. The hourly work needs to be done by hourly help. Most likely not by you. You need to concentrate on revenue generating activities. Period. Let’s get beyond the Cult of Busy. I am so unimpressed by it. Show me an agent who is affixing their own stamps to a mailer and I can bet that same agent has not made their ten touches a day first. 

 

Start dedicating time each day to meaningful progress. 

Part of my Q4 2024 and Q1 2025 was to get Transition Coaching certified. It was intense and there were weeks when I doubted myself. But when I took a breath and got re-centered, I was able to remind myself that I was moving towards a future goal and that the right thing is usually NEVER the easy thing. So, do I want to be a rocking horse and stay in place or do I want to start moving towards the future. That made getting up at 0400 to be camera ready for Zoom for 12 weeks a little bit easier. Happy to report, I did it! I am fully certified now! Reach out to schedule a coaching session with me :)

 

Give grace the last word.

Start being more tolerant towards those who see things

differently. Ask questions, notice things, get curious. Be grateful more and complain less. Be open to new experiences and opportunities. Start embracing the lessons life is teaching you and focus more on that which you CAN control. 

 

Give without expectations.

This one took me decades. Now I finally see that the results of my effort or generosity may never even be recognized in my lifetime. I have to be ok with that and give regardless. Start being the difference you want to see in the world. When things feel overwhelming and of control, don’t freeze but act. Take action on one small thing you can do effectively to make a difference. This month I have chosen to support the Backpack Brigade’s annual Luncheon. Wont you join me?


 

The art work that will be featured each month in 2025 is by Anna Brones. She is a local, paper cutting artist and writer. She has generously allowed me to feature her calendar art on my blogs. Check out her work. I love her calendar which can be recycled into post cards or gift tags. 

 

 Thank you for the inspiration Marc and Angel Hack Life!

 

If you wish to challenge yourself to level up in 2025, please consider private coaching with me. Invest in yourself! You are worth it. 

 

XOXO,

Coach Diane


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Mail: dianeterry206@gmail.com

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