VIRGINIA 7-18-22

VIRGINIA EDITION

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HABITS OF HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE AGENTS

WHAT THE FIRST THING YOU DO AFTER WORK

SAYS ABOUT YOU COVER STORY

Area Specialist

KAITLIN FEE

FEATURED AGENTS

DARREN ROBERTSON KRIS KYZAR

How To Get The Biggest Recharge Out Of Your Lunch Hour 5 Reasons Why You Need A Mentor

VIRGINIA EDITION

DARREN ROBERTSON KRIS KYZAR

obertson is a real estate agent Darren stays in touch with After retiring from a 26-year career in estate investp 7 17 18 the U.S. Navy, Kris Kyzar was ready to ck for balancing both the pervia email marketing,working often with sen pursue a new path. Kris describes himself helping them analytical components of the ket reports to keep clients in as someone who loves working with peoing capital a Darren’s passion for people with the latest trends.

His r ple and find satisfaction in making others As someone happy. That people-oriented spirit comK m motivated to build longteam sets itself apartofasmoney, a stella bined with a lifelong love of real estate dance minds t relationships, while his prior marketing service, utilizing pr fueled Kris’ decision to pursue his current teaching his e working in market research photography and graphic d work as both an investor and a licensed tionship with s to the strong analytical vices, knowledgeable leaderi real estate agent. Today, just over a year community into this new endeavor, Kris is part of the local to his work. Darren and his savvy SEO strategying to on contin THiNK Real Estate Team at 1st Class and Union M ently serve the dynamic real high KAITLIN FEE DARREN ROBERTSON KRIS across KYZAR internet searche Real Estate in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is on track to vide support to unhoused p Specialist ketArea of Northern Virginia. double last year’s revenue in 2022. notes that the group average When in he’ssales not working, 28-35 million volume KAITLIN n Virginia native, Darren hasKris a serves the area of coastal Virginia known as with his wife and son. Aft FEE Hampton Roads.CONTENTS With white sand beaches, historic his family likes to explore erstanding of the surrounding Darren’s affinity forrestaurants teachingli landmarks such as Colonial Williamsburg, and a host favorite local recreation shops restaurants Tupelo Honey, a favorite s rst earned4) his6real estate license after livingopportunities, in contributes to his overall business.

He say HABITS OFof other 20) 5 and REASONS Hampton Roads is of a popular tourist destination.

It’s ofalso make a to point of seekin for several years. While there, the process theWHY mentoring aspect getting help the HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE YOU NEED also home to military bases, shipyards and businesses a public art project started d selling his personal homemaking motivated Darrenplace my His as team positive AGENTS Ateam.”

MENTOR it a desirable to live for families wellis a100 Mermaidenvironme sculptures d ore about the intricacies of as themilitary field. and Working Realtors, asKris Darren regular town. coach retired military personnel. is also provides tered throughout H licensed in North Carolina is often popular withHe Shenandoah Valley Lur 14) offered HOW TO GET THE 22) WHAT THE FIRST rent Realtors various perspectives on which fast-growing group. shares how heand enjoy clients. ite pastime. Kris is off to a BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT THING YOUasDO AFTER ry, and motivated Darren tomilitary conduct his own estate industry, “The new challenges every looks forward to growing hi OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR WORK SAYS ABOUT YOU nd ultimately pursue licensure. things fresh friends and exciting.”

He continues, Drawing on his own network of family, and involved in Norfolk and“F the other military families, Kris about has hit the groundto running getting know people, and helping t in his first year in business.

He started in March 2021 He strives to continu urned to his hometown of Falls Church City their personal goals.” and closed 14 transactions last year with sales just shy en selling real estate in Northern Virginia for closed long-term of $5 million; he’s already 12 salesrelationships for nearly $4 with many of his clie 310-734-1440 | Fax ecade now.Phone He owns and operates Robertson million so 310-734-1440 far this year. Kris checks in regularly with his clients who often after working together. | become www.topagentmagazine.com l Group, mag@topagentmagazine.com leading an exemplary team of friends Outside of work, Darren is involved with h He markets his listings through MLS and popular online No portion of this issue may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever consent of theschool publisher. Topand Agent Magazine ensed through Samson Properties.

The group andwithout his prior children’s loves spendi sites asGA, well a regional brokerage and emailof published materials, Top is published by Feature Publications Inc. as Although precautions are taken email to ensure the an accuracy antly servesAgent theMagazine greater including time with hisby itsfamily cannotD.C. be blast held area, responsible for opinions expressed facts supplied authors. to a member database ofor North Carolina agents.and friends. He intends t To subscribe or change address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. also makes the most of his brokerage’shis educational Alexandria, Falls Church,HeFairfax County, expanding team over the coming years w Published in the U.S. opportunities through his participation in a mastermind liam County, and Loudoungroup County. ing more and more agents build their business as well as monthly networking events.

most about his work as a real estate ays in 2close contact with What all ofKris hislikes clients. agent is working with lf of the group’s business comes from refer-people and the freedom and flex-

To learn more about K email kris.kyzar@1stcla

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6 Habits of Highly Productive Agents In a business that can be constant chaos, you’re constantly on the go and dealing with things as they hit you. It can be difficult to take a second and regroup. But there is a better and smarter way to work. If you take the time to create some better habits, in the end, you may end up being more productive. If you want to make better use of your time, as well as have more focus, here’s some habits that you’re going to want to pick up - all common to top-producing agents.

1. Learn how to prioritize Although it might be your instinct to get some of the boring work out of the way first, things 4

that actually generate income (or are time-sensitive!) should be the first thing you focus on when you start your day.

Lists are your friend! Make a list of things you want to accomplish for the day, the week, and even the month. Always list them in the order of priority. If things get cut off when you run out of time at the end of the day, at least it’ll be the things that are not as important or time sensitive. As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list, you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as Top Agent Magazine

well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s and don’t ever waste it.

As with anyone, your time is your most valuable commodity and should be used wisely. When you make your list you can even schedule tasks as if they were a meeting, giving yourself a little time goal to beat, as well. Treat your time with the same respect you would a colleague’s or client’s, and don’t ever waste it.

to accomplish it? Write it out and then incorporate that into your prioritized ‘to do’ list.

You’ll be amazed at how driven you become to reach that goal when you actually write it out with clarity. And, the sense of accomplishment you get upon completing it will carry over to the next day. It’s important to remember to be specific. Once you get into the habit of meeting your goals, exceeding them won’t be far behind.

2. Remove distractions

when you need to focus This is especially hard when you’re a Realtor®. Most are constantly connected to their phones. But, unnecessary distractions can get you off schedule and make you lose your focus instantly. If you can, turn your phone off for the half hour it takes to do a task. Interruptions make everything take twice as long, especially when you take that text and then decide to check Facebook for a second.

We all do it!

Complete your task, then take ten minutes to respond to all texts and messages before you start up the next thing on your list. You can even schedule those ‘text backs’ into your schedule. A concentrated effort is always more effective than going back and forth between things.

3. Set daily goals This is so key. What do you want to accomplish for the day and what do you need to do

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4. Don’t make excuses There’s that old saying, “The buck stops here”. Well, take it to heart. This is your business and you are responsible for doing everything you can to make it successful.

Sure, there are reasons for why you didn’t get a listing or why your business is slow, but what are you doing to change things and make them better? Successful Realtors® work harder and come up with innova-

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tive ways to stand out when times are tough. They don’t look for excuses, they look for solutions.

5. Be deliberate

about everything you do When you’re making your list, it helps to have a goal in mind for even the smallest task. If you’re calling past clients to touch base, have a specific reason why you’re calling. Are you letting them know some market news?

Thanking them for a referral? When you’re meeting a referral partner for lunch, have a goal in mind for what the outcome of that meeting will be as well. Yes it’s good to socialize and build relationships, but if you have a reason, make sure it isn’t put off until the final moments, when things are wrapping up. Always having a purpose in mind will also help you prioritize your list better.

6. Always look for ways to

get out of your comfort zone Yes, you are prioritizing what is most important or urgent to your business, but it’s also important to make an effort to break out

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of your routine as much as you’re comfortable doing. Trying out new things or taking some time to learn about new and innovative real estate techniques and technology, can have an energizing effect on your business.

Not only might they lead to things that make you more productive, but it keeps you sharp and engaged. And, ultimately keeping yourself at the top of your game is what it’s all about.

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Area Specialist

KAITLIN FEE Top Agent Magazine

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Top Agent Kaitlin Fee serves DC, northern Virginia, and Maryland. She is already seeing her referral business grow rapidly, a sure sign that clients trust Kaitlin to take care of them.

With her honesty, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile for her clients, Kaitlin Fee is a rising star in DMV real estate.

With a background in communications and PR, Kaitlin always knew that working with people was her passion. Then she discovered real estate, and everything clicked. “At 22, I decided to take my passion for connecting with people and my strong administrative skills to an operations manager position for 8Copyright Top Agent Magazine

a top producing agent in the city,” Kaitlin recalls. “Through this position, I learned the ins and outs of real estate. I learned the importance of being available 24/7, getting my hands dirty, and going above and beyond for clients. It allowed me to dive into every facet of the business and really helped me find my ‘why.’ I discovered that I wanted to bring value to my clients and my community.” And that’s just what Kaitlin does as a Top Agent Magazine

REALTOR®, helping her clients achieve their real estate goals.

Kaitlin serves DC, northern Virginia, and Maryland. She is already seeing her referral business grow rapidly, a sure sign that clients trust Kaitlin to take care of them. Clients appreciate Kaitlin’s honesty and willingness to give them the straight facts about a given property. “I enjoy educating my clients. When Top Agent Magazine

walking into a house I strive to not only illuminate the positives but also shed light on the imperfections. I will tell my clients when I think a house may need a costly renovation in addition to pointing out any red flags that they’d want to further discuss with an inspector. I provide all my buyers with a list of local home inspectors, servicers, and contractors that way they have everything they need beyond closing.” When working with sellers Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“I love helping anyone in any position they’re in, and getting to work with all different stories,” she says. “As every client’s story and timeline is different, I have a hands-on and specialized approach for every situation.”

Kaitlin demonstrates the ways they can best prepare their home for the market. Kaitlin explains “In some cases, it may just be a fresh coat of paint and in others, I may suggest a bathroom renovation and new flooring. My job is to advise my sellers on how they can sell quickly and secure top dollar. It’s important to show sellers just how much more they will profit after completing improvements and presenting their home in the best light when coming to market.”

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Kaitlin maintains those trusting relationships with clients by staying in touch long after the closing. “I’m always checking in with my clients and seeing what’s going on in their lives,” Kaitlin says. “I will send them a handwritten note to show that I’m still there and available to help them or their friends.”

From first-time home buying to selling, downsizing, or renting, Kaitlin covers the whole gamut of real estate needs. “I love Top Agent Magazine

helping anyone in any position they’re in, and getting to work with all different stories,” she says. “As every client’s story and timeline is different, I have a hands-on and specialized approach for every situation.”

“Working for the #1 independent brokerage in the U.S. allows my clients to tap into Top Agent Magazine

exclusive buyer and seller programs, off-market inventory, and get ahead of the competition in today’s market. It’s one of the many reasons why I joined Elizabeth Hitt Properties at Compass, we can provide our clients with an abundance of resources and a network of professionals to drive results. Who you work with matters!”

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As Kaitlin’s business continues to grow, she is extremely thankful for her teammate Elizabeth Hitt and all of her clients, friends, and family for their support and trust. Above all, she continues to find ways to provide value to her clients and her community. “My job is to take all of the stress off my clients through being an expert for them,” Kaitlin says. “I like to see the joy in

their faces at the end of the transaction when they’re making that next step along their journey in life. At the end of the day, it’s not about me, it’s about the client. My goal as a full-service agent is to make sure my clients have all the resources, advice, and insight they need to not only feel confident in their investment but comfortable and connected to their community.”

To find out more about Kaitlin Fee, call 856.651.8969, email kaitlin.fee@compass.com or find her online at www.

compass.com/agents/kaitlin-fee

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How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create 14

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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DARREN ROBERTSON Darren Robertson is a real estate agent with a knack for balancing both the personal and analytical components of the industry. Darren’s passion for people keeps him motivated to build longterm client relationships, while his prior experience working in market research contributes to the strong analytical approach to his work. Darren and his team currently serve the dynamic real estate market of Northern Virginia.

A Northern Virginia native, Darren has a sound understanding of the surrounding area. He first earned his real estate license after living in California for several years. While there, the process of buying and selling his personal home motivated Darren to learn more about the intricacies of the field. Working with different Realtors offered various perspectives on the industry, and motivated Darren to conduct his own research and ultimately pursue licensure.

Darren returned to his hometown of Falls Church City and has been selling real estate in Northern Virginia for nearly a decade now. He owns and operates Robertson Residential Group, leading an exemplary team of agents licensed through Samson Properties. The group predominantly serves the greater D.C. area, including Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax County, Prince William County, and Loudoun County.

Darren stays in close contact with all of his clients.

Nearly half of the group’s business comes from referrals and repeat customers. Darren attributes this to their “very different style.” He shares, “We’re completely low pressure. We sell homes, but we lead with service, not sales.” From educating first-time homebuyers to working with repeat clients, the team approaches every sale with a relationship as the focus. Darren notes that his team motto is, “Client before the sale.” They find that “sales happen naturally when you’re helping people the right way.”

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Darren stays in touch with past clients via email marketing, often sending market reports to keep clients in the loop with the latest trends. His real estate team sets itself apart as a stellar property marketing service, utilizing professional photography and graphic design services, knowledgeable leadership, and savvy SEO strategy to continually rank high across internet searches. Darren notes that the group averages between 28-35 million in sales volume per year.

Darren’s affinity for teaching positively contributes to his overall business. He says, “I like the mentoring aspect of getting to help the agents on my team.” His team is a positive environment for new Realtors, as Darren provides regular coaching to his fast-growing group. He shares how he enjoys the real estate industry, as “The new challenges every day keep things fresh and exciting.” He continues, “For me, it’s about getting to know people, and helping them reach their personal goals.” He strives to continue building long-term relationships with many of his clients.

Outside of work, Darren is involved with his church and his children’s school and loves spending quality time with his family and friends. He intends to continue expanding his team over the coming years while helping more and more agents build their businesses as well.

To contact Darren, call 703-462-0700 email darren@darrenrobertsonhomes.com, or visit northernvirginiahomepro.com

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KRIS KYZAR After retiring from a 26-year career in the U.S. Navy, Kris Kyzar was ready to pursue a new path. Kris describes himself as someone who loves working with people and find satisfaction in making others happy. That people-oriented spirit combined with a lifelong love of real estate fueled Kris’ decision to pursue his current work as both an investor and a licensed real estate agent. Today, just over a year into this new endeavor, Kris is part of the THiNK Real Estate Team at 1st Class Real Estate in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is on track to double last year’s revenue in 2022.

Kris serves the area of coastal Virginia known as Hampton Roads. With white sand beaches, historic landmarks such as Colonial Williamsburg, and a host of other recreation opportunities, shops and restaurants Hampton Roads is a popular tourist destination. It’s also home to military bases, shipyards and businesses making it a desirable place to live for families as well as military and retired military personnel. Kris is also licensed in North Carolina which is often popular with military clients.

Drawing on his own network of family, friends and other military families, Kris has hit the ground running in his first year in business. He started in March 2021 and closed 14 transactions last year with sales just shy of $5 million; he’s already closed 12 sales for nearly $4 million so far this year. Kris checks in regularly with his clients who often become friends after working together.

He markets his listings through MLS and popular online sites as well as a regional brokerage email and an email blast to a member database of North Carolina agents.

He also makes the most of his brokerage’s educational opportunities through his participation in a mastermind group as well as monthly networking events.

What Kris likes most about his work as a real estate agent is working with people and the freedom and flexibility that come with being his own boss. As a real 18

estate investor himself, he specializes in working with other investors and enjoys helping them through the process of building capital and increasing their holdings.

As someone who grew up without a lot of money, Kris is committed to an abundance mindset, helping others thrive and teaching his son to have a positive relationship with money. He also focuses his community involvement and charity giving on local organizations like ForKids and Union Mission Ministries that provide support to unhoused people in the local area.

When he’s not working, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife and son. After many years away at sea, his family likes to explore their community by visiting favorite local restaurants like Grilled Cheese Bistro and Tupelo Honey, a favorite spot for Southern food. They also make a point of seeking out the Norfolk Mermaids, a public art project started 20 years ago with more than 100 Mermaid sculptures decorated by artists and scattered throughout town. Hiking natural areas like the Shenandoah Valley and Luray Caverns is another favorite pastime. Kris is off to a great start in real estate and looks forward to growing his business and being actively involved in Norfolk and the surrounding community.

To learn more about Kris call 757.797.6065, email kris.kyzar@1stclassagents.com or visit the 1st Class Realty website: kriskyzar.1stclassre.com www.

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Laughs!

Graham Harrop Graham Harrop Cartoons Cartoons

Putting the power of humour to work for you!

Putting the power of humour to work for you! grahamharrop.com

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5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor As great as it might feel to start your own business, and be solely responsible for its success, at some point, every entrepreneur reaches the limit of their potential, and needs a boost that only experience can provide.

But how do you get a lifetime of experience when you’re just starting out? Sure you can read countless books, but no book can replace the real life experience and advice of a mentor.

Mentors not only provides valuable insights, but they also have access to valuable connections as well. In fact a majority of the 20

most successful CEOs and entrepreneurs in the country have said that having a mentor early on was instrumental in their success.

Here are some of the reasons why.

1. They’re able to see where you need improvement, when you can’t When you’re working non-stop to get your business off the ground, you might feel sensitive to any criticism from people who aren’t going through what you are. A good

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mentor knows exactly what you’re going though, and has probably made every mistake. When you’re in the thick of it, you might not be able to see where the problems are. A knowledgeable outsider, who knows exactly where you’re at and has only your best interests at heart is just what you need.

When you have a trusting relationship with someone like that, you will be more willing to listen to that brutal honesty, even if that constructive criticism stings.

energy into it. They can see things in a completely logical way and guide you based on the facts rather than emotion. A good mentor helps you work smarter, not harder. They help you focus on your goals and how to get there, as well as setting boundaries for you so you don’t overextend yourself. They teach you how to say no and help you let go when you need to move on from a setback.

2. They will encourage you to think outside of the box

In addition to expertise, building a strong network is something that can only come with time. A mentor will most likely have that already, giving you access to people and resources that would take others years to gain. These connections will lead to opportunities that might never have happened otherwise. It’s also a great confidence boost knowing that your mentor trusts and believes in you enough to invite you into their inner circle.

Years of experience can give someone a great idea of what works and what doesn’t.

They’ve seen things first hand, not just in theory. At the same time, mentors recognize the importance of taking chances, calculating risks, as well as cutting losses and moving on. A good mentor isn’t trying to encourage you to be a carbon copy of them, they are trying to create the best ‘you’ possible. That includes encouraging you to take chances, and then being there pushing you to keep going forward if it doesn’t work out.

A good mentor knows that even failures can be opportunities.

3. They take the emotion out of decisions and help set boundaries Unlike you, a mentor has no emotional investment in certain business approaches that you might have decided to try. There’s nothing harder than admitting something isn’t working when you’ve put a lot of time and Top Agent Magazine

4. Networking

5. Encouragement At the heart or it all, a mentor offers you encouragement and motivation along the way, in good times and in bad. After a failure, it can be hard to get back on track and keep forging ahead. It helps to have someone who has spent year getting back up after being known down and coming out stronger than ever. It’s during those moments, when you feel alone and isolated, that having someone around offering you advice and positive feedback will be a much needed salve. They’re your cheerleader, they want you to succeed, and hopefully, you’ll pay it forward one day when you become as successful as them.

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What the First Thing You Do After Work Says About You We all have our routines. From that morning cup of coffee to a jog at the gym, it’s common to establish touchstones for our daily lives.

But have you ever considered what these habits tell us about ourselves? Our actions reveal much about our motivations and emotional life, so taking a second look at your first move at the end of the day can be telling.

With that in mind, see how you fare when it comes to post-workday habits...

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Break a Sweat After a long day of work, is your first instinct to strap on your sneakers and take off on a run? Do you stop off at the local yoga studio for an extended stretch? Maybe you head to the weight room to pump some iron. Whatever your exercise pick, if you’re inclined to sweat it out at the end of a long day, you’re likely a routine-oriented profes-

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sional who internalizes work-related stress. Of course, you’ve chosen a healthy release for all that pent-up tension, and you’ve discovered the power of endorphins. Once work hours are over, not everyone finds the motivation to stay active. This means you’re driven by routine, conscious of your emotional and physical health, and prefer to leave your cares at the gym, rather than bring them into your home oasis. However, it’s important to give your body a rest now and again, as recuperation time is not only beneficial for physical health, but can help prevent burnout for the long haul.

Flexibility is a skill, and one just as important to cultivate as rigid commitment. If you find yourself out of sorts if you miss just one day of working out, you might want to pay some attention to your routines and motivations, and rebalance your commitments and fitness routine accordingly.

Round-the-Clock Hustle If you’re the type to bring work home with you, you aren’t alone. While your motivation to work nonstop is admirable, it’s also important to make the mental transition from workplace to home, establishing the time to hustle and the time to relax. Just like those that hit the gym without fail after a long day, sometimes you’ll need to practice saying no. If your work life is indistinguishable from your personal life, it’ll be hard to catch a break and recharge.

This means burnout, frayed nerves, and missed details will soon be on the horizon. Of course, round-the-clock hustle is a strength, too. You’re passionate about your work, care deeply about doing things right, and failure is not an option.

Just make sure that you establish some foundational boundaries so that you maintain an Top Agent Magazine

appropriate, healthy balance between your time at work and your time at home with the loved ones and hobbies you cherish. If making way for downtime isn’t easy, try penciling it in the way you would a work engagement. Dinner with a friend, a date night with a significant other, or a solo movie fest can be readily added to your calendar, and thus built in to your regimented schedule.

Turn to Food If your first instinct after work is to eat, it can say a few different things about your routine.

Perhaps you’ve been so on-the-go all the day that you haven’t had time for lunch. In this case, you might need to regiment your schedule with more purpose aimed towards downtime and self-care; food is fuel, after all. If you head home and gorge after an average day, you may be turning to food as a way to relieve stress.

In this case, you may need to reassess some of your post-work habits and find a healthier balance and outlet for your tension. Taking a walk, grabbing fresh ingredients for dinner, hitting the gym, or decompressing by catching up with a friend or a good book—all are healthier, more balanced ways of executing the transition from the office to the home. Pay attention to your consumption post-work. Determine how hungry or satiated you really are before making a grab for the nearest sustenance.

People decompress in all different ways after getting home from the office, but always remember that routines are telling. Don’t take your daily actions and impulses for granted. Examine the root behind your well-worn practices, and you may detect nuances at play beneath the surface that can you help you recalibrate for the better.

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