By Raquel Salas
Special for El Inmobiliario
Today I want to talk about something many of you have felt at some point: the frustration of seeing the days go by without making any progress toward your goals. It's already May, and I've heard many real estate agents say they're nowhere near what they set out to achieve in the first half of the year. Some are asking themselves, "Where did the time go?" and others, unfortunately, have fallen into the trap of distractions that pull them away from their objectives.
But don't worry, because today we're going to transform that inaction into action. I want to share with you a tool that has helped many of my coaching clients: the GROW method. This method has a simple and effective approach that can guide us to clarify our goals and design an action plan that actually works.
First, let's talk about what the GROW method is. Its name comes from the initials of four key stages: Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. It sounds a bit technical, but it's actually very easy to understand and apply. So, imagine we're having a chat with friends while I explain each part.
Let's begin with the first stage: Goal. Here, we need to be very clear about what we want to achieve. Think of something specific. Instead of saying "I want to sell more properties," try formulating it in a more concrete way, such as "I want to close nine sales in the next three months." By having a clear goal, it's easier to know where to direct our efforts.
Now, let's move on to the second stage: Reality. This is the moment to pause and reflect on where we are right now. Ask yourselves: What have I accomplished so far? What obstacles have prevented me from moving forward? It's important to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes, we realize we've been wasting time on things that don't bring us any closer to our goals. Acknowledging our reality helps us gain a clearer vision of what we need to change.
The third stage is Options. This is where it gets interesting. Now that we know our goal and our current situation, it's time to think about the actions we can take to move closer to our objective. Brainstorm. Ask yourselves: What can I do to achieve my goal? You can consider anything from improving your negotiation skills to investing in digital marketing. Don't limit yourselves; write down all the ideas that come to mind. Each option is a step toward that goal.
Finally, we arrive at the last stage: Will. This is the moment to commit to the action plan. Ask yourself: What specific actions will I take, and when? It's crucial to establish a realistic timeline. Willpower is what will drive us to action, so make sure your commitments are firm. It's a good idea to share your goals with a coworker or mentor. This way, you'll have someone to help you stay on track.
Now that you know the GROW method, I propose a short exercise. This weekend, take some time to reflect on your goals. Write down your answers to each of the GROW method stages and create a clear action plan. Remember, the key is taking the first step.
Don't let inaction define you. This is your moment to shine and take back control of your future. I'm here to support you every step of the way. Have a great long weekend and get to work on your goals!
A little gift for Labor Day: The first three people to share this article on their Instagram stories, tag me at @raquelsalascoachintegrativa, and comment on this article'sel inmobiliario post with the message "I want to apply the GROW Method!" will win a free mentorship. Plus, if you work for a real estate agency, the mentorship will be for you and your entire team.
The author is a public relations specialist for Mystiq developments, CEO and founder of Positive Refocus and Real Estate Balance, director of the RP Media Group, an integrative coach for personal development, and a motivational speaker certified by John Maxwell Leadership. She is also the director of the "Time To Grow" training program for real estate agents and the author of the books "Before Saying Yes" and "Time for Me.".
