Every year we reset everything before the New Year becomes us! We set goals. We set plans. We set dreams. We even on occasion, set resolutions!

Our aspirations are always well intended however sometimes we need to change who we are in order to accomplish them! Our Habits!

Nobody is more poetic about Habits than Stephen Covey, who wrote the New York Times Best Seller, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Habits. What are they and how do they help us? Stephen Covey has sold millions upon millions of books talking about Habits. Let's put those into action as we approach the start of a new year. As Real Estate professionals, how can these habits help our business:

1 - Be Proactive: Why wait until January 1st to build your pipeline of leads? Why wait until January 1st to join that gym. It's just like making your calls to your sphere of influence, don't wait for things to happen to you, make them happen for you.

2 - Begin with the End in Mind: What are your 2018 goals and how will you get there? Take the time to create your 1-3-5 and your CGI Goals so you know where you are heading. Review it weekly, if not daily, so you can stay on track.

3 - Put First Things First: As the Leader of your business it is important that you know your vision and what will take you there and what will distract you. Know what is important to your business, what is urgent and what can wait.

4 - Think Win-Win: It isn't just a Keller Williams saying, it is a 'character-based code for human interaction and collaboration' says Covey. If your client finishes a transaction feeling as though they got the best deal on their dream home AND if the other agent feels they did the same for their client, isn't that a WIN-WIN for everyone? AND wouldn't that open the door for referrals to your business? Would it also allow for you to build passive income and introduce Keller Williams to agents from the other side of the transaction?

5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood: Oh this is a good one. Listen, Listen, Listen and then... Talk. When you are genuinely wanting to understand the other side first, most times that will be reciprocated. Make an effort to ask questions, show concern and truly embrace their position before stating your own case. Perhaps you can work together to find a WIN-WIN for everyone.

6 - Synergize: What? I am a REALTOR, I work alone. How am I supposed to synergize? Great question! You have an office full of Independent Contractors to share ideas with, to learn from, to grow with. Take advantage of Office Meetings, listening to the ALC and all that Keller Williams has to offer.

7 - Sharpen the Saw: What does this mean? It means simply to take care of yourself. Have a healthy work-life balance, enjoy yourself and remember - you are building a career worth having, business worth owning and a life worth living. Stop to smell the roses and give back along the way. There is always someone where you once were.

Brett Caldwell