No Cynics Allowed

BY SHARRON RICHARDSON, VP BROKER SERVICES

Like most people, at the beginning of the year I had a list of goals I wanted to achieve in 2023. After the last few years of disruption, I felt it was time to refocus - after all, I’m not getting any younger – and I like to work towards SMART goals. Certainly, one can have a goal, but without applying the SMART concepts, it remains only a dream.

To make progress, one has to create a plan. See it, plan it, do it. Part of that plan should be surrounding yourself with a likeminded tribe; a group of people who support and encourage each other. Unfortunately, you can encounter quite the opposite when deciding to better yourself. People in your sphere might be uncomfortable with change. I believe that’s because when a person changes, it can cause others around them to look at themselves, and some prefer to avoid self-examination. As a result, instead of having a tribe, it can feel like the people closest to us are actively working against us. Think of the person trying to do dry January. They're at an event, happily sipping soda, when someone close to them suggests "just one won't hurt," or "come on, lighten up." It may seem innocuous, but when you're trying to level up, you're already in the middle of a personal challenge. You don't need negative input from someone who isn't on your team.

My personal circle is small, although every single person in it is supportive of my goals. Since not everyone is fortunate to have a circle like mine, I thought that Facebook would be an ideal forum to provide encouragement and inspiration to anyone - EXIT or not - who is looking to find a like-minded tribe while they work on leveling up. Enter EXIT Realty's Facebook Goal-Setters group. Members need not share their particular goal and can join just for the inspiration of watching others work on their goals.

There’s also the accountability factor. I tend to be self-motivated. But when you're only accountable to yourself, it's easy to make excuses to postpone hard things. After all, no one sees your procrastination but you. Once you put something out there, though, it adds a layer of accountability. I shared wanting to be able to do a push-up by the end of the year. While I want to do this strictly for myself, I know people are watching (in a good way) and that helps get me to the gym. It has taken me a lifetime to recognize that, while I'm comfortable working on my own, it really is better when you have a tribe. Like the African proverb goes: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Tami Bonnell, EXIT's Co-Chair, offers inspiration and actionable activities to members, while Erika Gileo, C.O.O., coined our G.O.A.L. directive: Growth On All Levels. EXIT Realty leaders lead by example, and it’s my hope that by the end of the year, members will have achieved the goals they set out to accomplish. More importantly, though, is my wish that all members find a tribe that cheers each other on, every step of the way. The thing about a goal is not so much reaching it, although that’s very rewarding, but it’s who you become while working towards it.

(As of this writing, Sharron has made measurable progress towards her push-up goal.)