By Rick Dingraudo, Operations Manager - New Home Star
In the wise words of Alec Baldwin, "Put that coffee down!" This familiar phrase is one that all of us in the new home sales industry could do well to hear. While not everyone is a natural 'morning person', becoming one is easier than you might think. Instead of adding cream and that extra spoonful of sugar to your triple, venti, half-sweet, nonfat, caramel macchiato, start your morning with a natural boost. Here are seven tips that are sure to start your day on the right track:
1. Release Those Endorphins
Whether it's a morning workout class, going for a jog around your neighborhood or listening (and dancing) to some upbeat music during the car ride to work, do something to get your heart rate up in the morning. Getting your blood pumping at the start of the day releases endorphins that will power you into a productive, energetic 24 hours. You can even join the "Playlist for Closers Only" group in the Peer Learning section of New Home Connect to check out suggestions for an optimistic morning playlist. (If all else fails, watching a training montage from a Rocky movie will always set you down the right path!)
2. Mentally Stretch
As you're walking around in the morning getting ready for the day, talk out loud and have a few conversations with yourself. This is the perfect time to warm up your brain and brush up on a valuable role-play. Consider a common objection you may hear and practice how you plan to overcome it when interacting with your customer. Walking through several possible conversations that you may have ensures you'll be readier than ever when that first prospect walks in the door.
3. Meditate
This does not have to be a gong-ringing, incense-burning, cross-legged session like we often see in the movies. Each week, your brain runs through countless thoughts as you let your stream of consciousness wander. Try to be intentional about taking one minute of your day to sit at your kitchen table and think about nothing but your breathing. During this brief 60 seconds, you'll allow your mind and body to slow down, and permit your brain to be better prepared for the clutter that you will accumulate during your day.
4. Write a To-Do List
While you should always have a long-term list like the one featured in Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, start creating a to-do list that varies each day. Try making Covey's "Good", "Better" and "Best" lists; each one with more tasks than the last. The "Good" list has the bare minimum that you need to complete in order to feel as if you have accomplished something to be proud of for the day. The "Better" list pushes you to stay focused and achieve a little more, and the "Best" list enables you to feel empowered about your successful productivity! Reward yourself with an ice cream cone or a small treat if you complete your "Best" list.
5. Be Your Own Coach
Mark Twain reminds us that "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." Find the "fight" inside of you as you're driving to work. Tell yourself how great you're going to be today and remind yourself of the amazing things you're able to accomplish. If your drive to work is filled with stress about what may go wrong, you have already lost the battle. Equip yourself with a pep talk from the one person who is best able to get you motivated: You!
6. Get in the Mindset That You Matter
Whether you're aware of it or not, someone that you encounter today will look up to you as a leader or a mentor (it's a natural part of being in the sales profession). Remind yourself that you're accountable for your actions, allow yourself to be a great example to those around you and be proud of who you are!
7. Have a Nightly Routine
Contrary to popular belief, this routine doesn't include that extra episode of your favorite Netflix show. In fact, the last thirty to sixty minutes of your day shouldn't include any electronics at all. Unwinding with your favorite show isn't a bad thing, but swap the TV remote for a pencil during the last hour before bed. Try reading, journaling, reflecting on your day or enjoying a crossword puzzle. This is proven to ease your mind into a relaxed state, so that you can sleep better and wake up in the morning feeling rejuvenated.
Operations Manager Rick Dingraudo oversees New Home Star's financial reporting and analysis, data management and pro forma statements. He enjoys researching the ties between the financial system and the real estate industry and has a background in economics and human resource management.