I just touched down from Japan, and am sitting in the Atlanta airport waiting for my flight back to Raleigh – it’s delayed, of course, you all know my luck. The delay has given me time to reflect on how our adventures there translate to our hustle in the real estate game. Here’s the lowdown on the lessons I’m bringing back to the table:
1. Get WAY Outside of Your Comfort Zone: Tokyo’s neon-lit streets and Kyoto’s tranquil temples pushed me out of my comfort bubble big time. But guess what? Growth happens when we’re out there, embracing the unknown. There were so many times that we looked at each other and said, “Japan just does X better.” So, in your real estate hustle, don’t be afraid to push boundaries, try new tactics, and take risks. You’ll likely find a better way of doing things than your norm.
2. Ignoring the Inner Doubter: Sure, there were moments when doubts crept in—like when I tried speaking Japanese and ended up saying who-knows-what. It literally took me at least 7 days to remember how to properly say thank you (arigato gozaimasu – and the gozaimasu is key). But here’s the deal: those doubts don’t define us. Shut ’em down and trust in your abilities, whether you’re closing deals or ordering sushi. Take the mistake, learn, and move forward.
3. Taking TRUE Time Off: Two weeks without emails, calls, or meetings did wonders for the soul. Hell, I only opened my laptop once and that was to set the “Out Of The Office” bounceback message. Remember, taking a break isn’t slacking off—it’s recharging your batteries for the next sprint. So, schedule that vacation, unplug, and come back refreshed and ready to crush it.
4. Seeking Help When Needed: Lost in translation? Just ask for directions. Same goes for business. Quit thinking you’ve got to do it all yourself. The one time we missed our metro exit on the JR rail system was when I was hogging the destination’s address and directions to myself, and it led me to be late to my very-much-anticipated tattoo appointment. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, even if you don’t think you really need it. Whether it’s a coach, colleague, or spouse, there’s strength in admitting you can’t do it all alone.
So there you have it, folks. Let’s take these lessons from the Land of the Rising Sun and turn ’em into fuel for our real estate success. Here’s to stepping out of our comfort zones, trying new things, and growing like never before.
Now – where to next?