Well here we are, the first week of not only the New Year but the New Decade as well and if you haven’t already done so, now would be a great time to think about how you are going to be successful in 2000teens.  Obviously, in order to attain success, you must have a plan and decide for yourself the Status Quo is Unacceptable and get started on one today. 

One of the most important things to realize to set your plan of action in place and more importantly – in writing – for 2010 is to start!  It is essential to realize when you begin to think about your plan – make sure it is your plan and not someone else’s.  The goals are yours, timeframes to accomplish them are ones that you set, and if you do this you are more likely to accomplish them.  Your goals must be SMARTY goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, have a Timeframe for accomplishment and they must be Yours.  In addition, as you work through completing your task, it is good to share your ideas with others help them and to get the creative juices flowing for yourself.  In our experience, the more open you are to sharing, the more successful you will be. 

Once you have an idea, write it down so you remember thought because every thought is important, you will need to set your priorities and put the plan to achieve your goals and attain your objectives in real estate in motion.  Areas to think about may be increasing your database, finding new customers, getting educated, becoming an expert on pricing/trends/the market, etc.  Keep your mind open and determine where your focus will be this year.  Will it be first time buyers?  Move up buyers?  Short sales?  Foreclosures?  New home sales?  Property management?  Are there any other areas of interest or specialties where you can excel and make money this year in our industry?

Also, as you move through this exercise, here are some tips to keep in mind as we move forward.  Be decisive – be focused – put your thoughts in writing – develop a plan of action – share with others.  At some point soon, select an accountability partner to review your plan and theirs regularly.  It has been noted through research a group ASTD had accomplished, when you commit and plan to accomplish something in writing, you are 50% more likely to achieve it – if you commit to someone else 65% – if you have an accountability appointment with that person 95% and with a group 99%.  Think about it!

As you go through the year – stay engaged and become the go-to source for real estate for your sphere.  There will no doubt be adversity and as the times and the market change, be willing to make the adjustments necessary in your plan to insure your success.  Forge ahead – take action, massive action to achieve the success you desire and we will do it all over again next year!  Now, let get started.  Get it?  Got it?  Good!