THRIVE. That word has been echoing in my spirit for at least a month. For most people, this market isn't exactly conjuring images of thriving, but I feel constantly hopeful. Optimistic. Really delighted about the whole thing.

I am not afraid, though I hear various fear-based words & predictions from average agents  --- "suddenly" we're back to business as usual; "this market isn't for the average agent" --- but it IS for people who know who they are, have systems they can and will deploy, and for those whose identity is firmly in place. 

Merriam-Webster has defined "thrive" as:

• To grow vigorously 
• To flourish
• To gain in wealth or possession
• To progress toward or realize a goal DESPITE OR BECAUSE OF circumstances (emphasis mine)

I really want to emphasize every single word of that last line. Anybody can thrive as defined in the first 3 definitions when there's a boom. Pros know how to thrive in any market DESPITE or BECAUSE of circumstances. Why? Because they discipline themselves in their business lives. There's a steady rhythm to the methods they use and a system in place for how they do what they do. They go to work. They listen when high producing agents share, they're willing to try something new and they keep their heads in the game. They go looking for new lead sources but they never stop working their existing database. 

Pros are just fine to be 1% better this week than last; they know they're lapping at least 80% of their competition. This is about progress. Not perfection. 

In a tougher (more normal) market, we'll have to do more than show up. We'll have to dig in, know our business and our market and use SKILL to win. I've never been more confident in agents as a group in my life than I am now. Bellator agents are equipped to win; we are known as the brokerage of full-time skilled REALTORS® on both sides of our bay.

In the years when I was in the music industry, everybody wanted to be in the spotlight. We were waiting for a moment to let our talent and skill, honed over time, speak for itself. The music would build to a crescendo and you'd step into the spotlight and do your thing!

Over time, I've found this business isn't that much different! You were made for this and you're in the spotlight right now. Great agents who are intentionally positive, growing, learning and sharing are taking centerstage. THIS is your time to shine. Dig into the tools Bellator is providing to you. LEARN them. Deploy them! Find agents you admire and follow their lead as you find your way.

Want a mentor? Ask! Let your personality work for you and serve people everywhere you find them. Share your acquired knowledge & keep a generous spirit. You'll find doors swinging open for you along with a steady line of clients and customers. I predict you're going to fall in love with this market! Not everyone with a license can hang in this business environment, but you're going to like it even better than last year and 2024 is shaping up to be SPECTACULAR because you're creating a pattern for progress.

THRIVE! Do it!