Tough Minded Optimists

Outcomes often disappoint the naive.  Success seems to escape the cynics.  Running the mid-line  is a worthy path.  It is the dynamic tension in the life of a free enterprise warrior – optimistic about the opportunities, realistic about the challenges.

For those in the real estate business, this truth has never been more real.  In our book SHIFT: How Top Real Estate Agents Tackle Tough Times, we said “get real, get right.”  Be tough minded about the market conditions and what needs to be done.  Be optimistic about what can be done – for our clients and for our professional careers.  Survive, then thrive.

The reality is that the market has shifted for many industries and multiple professions.  It is a time of sea change.  The old rules don’t seem to work and the new rules are still emerging.  In the midst of this confusion lies a simple truth: success will be earned by the tough minded optimists.

Here are the priorities: stay in the game, pay attention to what is happening, identify what people need, build your skills to meet that need, then go service the need.  For real estate agents, it’s about the “twelve tactics” of SHIFT.  For every other profession, its about identifying your twelve tactics.  Here the neat part: you can use SHIFT as your guide, no matter what business you are in.

Shift is a verb, not a noun.  It is about doing something – first in your mind and then in your actions.  Change your thoughts, change your behavior, change your outcomes.  While “what you do” always matters, “how you think” matters more.  It comes first.

How do you become a tough minded optimist?  How do you change your mindset?  There are three primary ways: 1) hangout with proactive, positive people, 2) read great books and blogs 3) tune out all negativity (avoid mainstream media, talk shows and those people who condemn, criticize and complain).

You already know who the right people are to spend time with.  Now, hang out with them – set up masterminds, exchange emails, meet for coffee, learn together, encourage each other.  And, you know who to avoid – you don’t need (can’t afford) their negativity in your head nor their drain on your energy.  You are the architect of your environment, manage it carefully.

And, about reading those great books and blogs, there are many.  I’ll share my personal recommendations in my next blog (with notes).  Which ones have made the biggest positive impact on the way you think?  Which ones propel your actions?

Remember: you are not alone, we are in this together, we will survive, we can thrive, we can all become tough minded optimists.