If you want a smart mental hack that can help you stay focused on profit and build your peace of mind as a real estate broker or other real estate professional, then this article is for you.

The New Year—and new decade— are just around the corner. Regardless of whether you are proud of your accomplishments or not from 2019, know this… 2019 does not define or predict 2020.

Let’s start 2020 with greater wisdom. This article is not going to tell you what to do. It is going to show you a highly effective way to think. By asking yourself one simple question on a regular basis, you’ll know discover for the answers that will be best and most effective for you.

I discovered this powerful question from Author Rory Vaden. What’s powerful about it is that you can quickly ask the question, get the answer, and put it in action. Usually, the answer does not take long at all. (How cool is that?)

When looking at a To Do List, every real estate broker asks this question: “Does this matter today?” Not a bad question.

However, there’s a problem.

Questions like “Does this matter today?”, “Do I need to do this today?” and “Can this task wait until tomorrow?” are not the most effective questions to ask. Those questions cannot truly produce the results you want. To get better results, we must ask better questions.

Why won’t those usual questions produce what you want? Because some of those tasks you’re considering and prioritizing are only important for a day, or a week… And then POOF! That’s it. They have a short shelf life.

Start asking this game-changing and career-building question instead:

“How long is this task going to matter?”

Read that question again and let it sink in.

Consider:

Will the task only matter for today?

Will it matter for a week?

Will it matter for a month?

Will it matter for a year or longer?

As you start the habit of asking, “How long is this task going to matter?”, the answers that come up will shift your approach and thus, your results.

The question itself compels you to stop living in the weeds of short-term thinking and move to better ground… a place of long-term thinking and vision.

The answers that you uncover from this pivotal question will empower you to operate from significance, ROI, and greater focus.

Look back at 2019, and consider 2020. Think about all the projects you completed, people you talked to, and the places you went. Consider all the behind the scenes pieces that clients rarely know about. Look at your business both as a whole, and in segments.

Let’s look at some examples of this question in action using “How long is _____ going to matter?”:

How long is setting up Open Houses going to matter?

How long is using reliable and user-friendly software and apps going to matter?

How long is organizing your desk drawers and folders going to matter?

How long is learning the art of creating your own warm referrals going to matter?

How long is completing your Illinois Continuing Education from trusted educators going to matter?

How long is instantly forgettable office chit-chat going to matter?

You can see the differences, can’t you? I’m betting you can even feel them. They’re tangible.

The “How long” question quickly helps you differentiate between profitable actions and “just get by” actions. One type of real estate broker is creating more of the same old same old. The other is building her business, elevating her life, and becomes wildly successful. Massive difference!

As you move into 2020, lock the “How long” question in your mind. Use it everyday. Go ahead and start today too! Right now is the time.

Months from now, you’ll be thanking me that you did.

Let’s say it all together: “How long is this task going to matter?”

Thank you for reading!

Do you have questions about:

Our raved-about real estate courses?

Our 1-on-1 tutoring option?

Starting a career in real estate?

If so, we’d love to chat with you! Contact us via the form on our website or call us at 877-990-8409.