Is there a project you’ve stalled on, something you’re procrastinating on, or a part of your business you’ve been avoiding but know needs attention? You’re not alone. Procrastination is unfortunately an easy path to take when our lives are busy and demands on our time are high. The problem with procrastination is that it simply puts off until later something that still needs to be completed.

There are plenty of experts on productivity and great books on ‘getting things done’ out there to help give us perspective but this simple fact remains: while it might be easy to do that one little task, oftentimes it’s easier not to do it!

A simple but effective trick I like to use is to break things down into smaller pieces and tackle each one individually.

You’ve often heard me talk about this at MasterMind or Peak Performers and the reason is that it’s so effective. Looking at the project or task as a whole might be overwhelming and cause us to avoid it. But breaking it down into manageable parts and then checking each one of those off a list can be enormously rewarding and a source of pride as you begin to see your list disappear.

No matter what the project or task is, break it down into smaller elements. Get one of those done at a time and then move on to the next. Before you know it you’ll be a master of productivity. And we’ll be getting tips from you on how streamline our days!

It’s a good life!

Brian

Today I am in Canada speaking to a large group of agents and brokers about the fundamentals of successful real estate and how to run a business like a business. And if there’s one thing Buffini & Company is invested in, it’s how to help small-business owners elevate their skills and become professional business owners. This industry can often have a “rollercoaster” feel to it, but these peaks and valleys in income are detrimental to independent contractors. Your bills come in steadily. So should your ability to deal with them!

Luckily there’s a way to achieve that. You don’t have to be at the whim of the market and we’ve laid out the habits, attitude and skills that will get you there in a step-by-step training program that's taking the industry by storm. Since our January launch, thousands of people across North America have signed up for Peak Producers. And the results are outstripping our minimum expectation of 10 leads and 3 deals in the 12 weeks.

See for yourself - Peak Producers and let's get control of our businesses and stop the merry-go-round.

It’s a good life!

Brian

Last week I talked about productivity and how you can be more efficient with your time - and I’ve heard from many of you that it’s been helpful in how you go about your day. Well today’s post is related...and is a short one because it’s a simple message: every day, write out a list.

One of things I love to do is check things off a list. And typically that list is how I begin my day. It’s as simple as taking a sheet of paper, a pen and a few minutes by yourself to list all those things that need to be attended to. Often I will get just the first few items on the list done. Which is fine. The reason they were first is because they were the most critical. On today’s list was this blog. Now it’s a check mark and an opportunity to move on to the next item.

Simple thought. Simple message. Simple to do. Simpler not to do. Make a list – it’ll change your day!

It’s a good life!

Brian

All too often it’s easy to get distracted. We live in a world that demands our attention from every angle and there are countless ways we find ourselves pulled off task. Keeping things simple is key. And the key to keeping things simple is making them doable.

There are three things you can do today to increase your productivity and shore up your peace of mind. 

1. Focus
2. Take a break
3. Focus again

1. Focus
Multi-tasking is often held up as a skill, but in reality when we are totally focused and consumed by one task that is often the area in which we excel. Make a list of what you need to get done in a day, then pick the highest priority and get to work.

2. Take a break
I’ve spoken about the Tony Schwartz book ‘The Power of Full Engagement’ many times and it’s a great read to help you in the area of rest and recovery. What you need to remember is this one thing: Take a break. We are not designed to go full tilt all the time. Rest so that you can go again. Refuel so that you are ready for the next task.

3. Focus again
Move on to the next thing on your list. It’s as simple as that.

Productivity does not mean busy. It’s means achieving those things that are most important. Follow these simple steps and watch your task list disappear.

It’s a good life! 

Brian

We're back to work and fired up here at Buffini & Company and while this is a pretty positive place to come to work, there's no doubt that a little R&R is just the tonic. Our break over the holidays has restored and renewed our energy and we're ready for 2012.

Too often, we forget that we do not have endless supplies of energy. No matter how much we enjoy being around people, even the most gregarious amongst us needs to take time to be quiet and alone with our thoughts. Did you do get a chance to do that over the break? It's so important and while it can seem like an easy thing to do...it's also easy not to do. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to just simply 'be' for a moment. Taking a time out is good for your health, your peace of mind and also for your loved ones. Oh, by the way...by taking time out, you gain perspective that helps your business.

Here's to a great 2012. Follow the energy principle and be good to yourselves.

It's a good life!

Brian

Over the years, I have been very deliberate about putting good stuff into my head - reading good books, surrounding myself with positive people, building upon successes, setting goals, attending seminars, listening to uplifting CDs – all to reinforce a positive reality.

Thing is, we don’t need anything to become immersed in negativity. We can sit still in a room by ourselves to become immobilized by that. Looking around it’s easy to feel as though we are in a sea of negativity but we have a choice; we can give into it and join the “begrudgers” and complainers, or we can get up and do something for ourselves, for our families and for our communities.

We must make a commitment to be positive…a commitment to keep on growing ourselves. Why? Because you are either growing up or growing down. You are either living or dying. Nothing stays the same. So we have to work to be positive. We have to try to have the positive experiences and ultimately success is a bi-product of those experiences.

Here are some things you can do to counter negativity in your day: 

·       Find music that reminds you of a great time in your life – and play it!

·       Buy a copy of a really inspiring movie – and watch it!

·       Make a commitment to yourself that your primary pursuit is to grow yourself 

Here’s one we can all follow: don’t let a bad headline ruin a great day.

It’s a good life!

We've been working hard here at Buffini & Company and my family and I are taking a few restful days. I'll see you in Toronto next week though!

It's a good life!

Brian

This week Joe Niego and I were in New York presenting to a large audience of fired up realtors, lenders and service professionals – over 900 business professionals together in a room for two full days doing nothing but learning and working on their businesses. Diligently. At the Turning Point, Joe and I share presenting duties and as I watched my friend from backstage during one of his sessions, I reflected on this industry and how things have been in recent years. 

I’ll be honest, I felt very good for what’s in store.

Joe is bringing our Success Seminar training events to audiences across North America and I couldn’t be more pleased for the industry. I consider him to be the best in the business. And I’m not just saying that because he’s my friend! His depth of knowledge and experience is incredible…and the industry has been benefitting from it for some time. It's about to benefit a whole lot more. 

Thing is, we’re just getting started! The all-new Success Seminar is going to blow your doors off with relevant and timely industry insights, tips on short sales, and practical know-how on buyers and sellers. I can’t wait to attend myself!

It's just one of the reasons why I’m so proud of Joe and what he’s bringing to the industry. It’s good to have a friend you look up to. He’s a tall one.

It’s a good life!

Brian