This simple yet powerful observation captures the essence of the human experience, especially for those who have achieved success but find themselves grappling with loneliness and hesitancy to embrace meaningful relationships. As a wise friend once emphasized, regardless of one’s profession, “No matter what business you’re in, you’re in the people business.”

The dichotomy of people being both the source of life’s greatest joys and challenges is an unavoidable reality. The undeniable truth is that people enhance the journey, making the pursuit of success both awe-inspiring and arduous. Yet, the question remains: How does one, especially a successful professional, overcome the reluctance to invest in relationships?

An Opportunity with Risk

Taking the chance on meaningful connections is not without its risks. People have the potential to bring both immense fulfillment and profound disappointment. It requires courage to move forward with individuals, even when past experiences may have left one feeling let down. But herein lies the transformative power of relationships.

While accomplishments achieved in isolation can be fulfilling, the true magic happens when shared with others. The synergy of collective effort propels success to new heights. It’s about recognizing that the number of things one can achieve with others is exponentially higher than what can be accomplished alone.

Get Past the Past for the Possibility of the Future

So, despite past disappointments, it’s crucial to take the chance, to invest in relationships that have the potential to enrich both personal and professional realms. Sharing pursuits and challenges with others creates a unique bond that transcends individual achievements. It’s about embracing the fact that, yes, people can be the most painful parts of life, but they also constitute the best parts.

In the journey of success, transformation is inevitable. It’s about having the courage to engage with people authentically, to build connections that withstand challenges, and to celebrate victories with those who have championed your cause. Because, as Jennie Allen aptly observes, people are at the heart of life’s best moments – and taking the chance on relationships is a risk worth taking for unparalleled success and fulfillment.

Want to go deeper?

For individuals or organizations looking to foster the well-being of professionals connect with Ryan for options for collaboration. Circle of 5 Coaching is dedicated to this space and specialize in real estate professionals.

The post Unlocking Success: Power In Authentic Connections first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

The Unseen Impact of Lockdowns

As the world grappled with the uncertainties of the pandemic, work environments underwent a seismic shift, with isolation reaching unprecedented levels. While many have returned to office spaces, a significant portion of the workforce, particularly in sectors like real estate, continues to operate remotely or as independent entrepreneurs. While this is not completely new in real estate, it is more prevalent. This evolving landscape has intensified the loneliness crisis, a fact that cannot be ignored or underestimated.

Escalating Crisis

It’s save to assume that the loneliness statistics have surged since that pre-pandemic survey. Depression and anxiety, fueled by isolation, have become potent forces, manifesting in ways that ripple through society, affecting mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. The U.S. Surgeon General has declared a loneliness epidemic, and the urgency to address this crisis is palpable.

Individual and Organizational Responsibility

While the government acknowledges the issue, the onus of tackling the loneliness epidemic falls on individuals and organizations. Waiting for a top-down solution is a luxury we can ill-afford. It’s time for intentional and collective action.

Individuals must recognize and battle against the powerful pull of loneliness. It’s a personal journey that requires self-awareness and deliberate efforts to forge connections, both personally and professionally. But the responsibility doesn’t end there.

Organizational leaders play a pivotal role in providing opportunities to combat this pervasive issue. From fostering a culture of inclusivity to implementing initiatives that prioritize mental health and connection, organizations can be instrumental in turning the tide against loneliness.

Two Simple Asks

In light of this pressing matter, I have two simple requests. First, if this article resonates with you or sparks thoughts, share it with your LinkedIn community or through other social media avenues. Let’s start a conversation and raise awareness about the loneliness crisis. Second, I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section. What intentional actions is your workplace taking to address the loneliness epidemic? Your insights could be the catalyst for change that our society desperately needs.

Conclusion

The loneliness crisis is not a specter confined to the shadows; it’s a pressing reality that demands our attention. By acknowledging the gravity of the situation and taking intentional actions at both individual and organizational levels, we can collectively navigate through the isolation, fostering a culture of connection and resilience. It’s time to face the loneliness epidemic head-on and build a society where no one feels alone in their struggles.

Ryan Nelson is on a mission to help people overcome this loneliness issue. He is working with individuals and organizations to create change. If you’re interested in working with Ryan please reach out. See more of Ryan’s thoughts on inner-circle relationships and wellness on his blog.

The post Workplace Loneliness – It’s Not New first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

As we approach the dawn of another year in the real estate industry, the annual commitment looms – $156 in 2024. It’s not just a financial pledge; it’s a dedication to an ever-evolving profession with its challenges and triumphs.

Statistics from the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Member Profile reveal that 76% of agents are confident in their commitment to real estate for at least the next two years. However, with the market’s recent shifts, it’s evident that uncertainty lingers. The question isn’t just about surviving; it’s about thriving in an industry that demands adaptability.

The Office Landscape

Your office plays a pivotal role in shaping your experience. A great office provides physical space and a supportive environment that fosters growth. This has never been more important than it is in our current environment. Offices can invest in creating a culture that intentional assists agents in overcoming the loneliness pandemic. Yet, the echo chamber effect, fueled by shared market experiences, can lead to instability during challenging times.

Diversifying Your Inner Circle: Beyond Industry Connections

Diversifying your inner circle becomes crucial in maintaining stability. Your Circle of 5 should extend beyond industry connections, offering varied perspectives that weather the storms of market fluctuations. As Jim Rohn wisely noted, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” So, curate your inner circle intentionally.

Recognizing the need for a different inner circle is the first step. To guide you through this process, explore our past articles on levels of community and building a future of hope through better relationships. Alternatively, consider taking a more structured approach by joining our “Inner Circle Mastery” program.

In our program, you’ll find a supportive community that transcends industry boundaries and provides stability when the market is uncertain. Reach out to me via email to explore this transformative opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Special Invitation for Team Leaders: Investing in Success

We offer a special invitation for team leaders seeking to invest in the well-being and productivity of their entire office. Explore the option of signing up your entire team for our Inner Circle Mastery program at a significantly reduced price. It’s an investment in individual success and cultivating a thriving culture within your organization.

Contact us today to take the first step towards a more resilient and empowered future. Your journey to mastery begins with the strength of your inner circle. Let’s shape a future of success together.

Email me to explore the Inner Circle Mastery program or discuss signing up your entire office.

Here’s to a prosperous and empowered future in real estate!

The post Agents: The Upcoming Mass Exodus And How To Survive first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

When you reach out for support you are likely finding someone who is also needing that support. Be bold. Build up your community so that you can win together!

The post You Are the Solution first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

Anyone else quit watching the news sometime along the way in 2020?  Just me?

I just got tired of all the angst and drama in our world.  I know I have a responsibility to be informed.  But, after race riots, covid deaths rising, election drama, and crime rates soaring it came to the point that I had to make a decision for my own well-being to turn off the news.

Apparently I wasn’t the only one.  In 2021, the percentage drop of weeknight viewership of the evening news was in the teens.  The cable news networks saw percentage drops in the mid-20’s to mid-30’s.  A lot of us felt we had to shut it off.

No doubt, many of us are still in that mode.  And, in case you are, there’s some news from 2023 you need to be aware of.  Here it is:  The U.S. Surgeon General has declared that we are in a loneliness epidemic.  This declaration was made in May, 2023.

It seems obvious that during the covid crisis there was a lot of loneliness being felt. But, researchers say the crisis was well underway before that.  The covid crisis simply amplified what was already taking hold.

The Surgeon General’s report identified “The Six Pillars to Advance Social Connection.”  While I sincerely appreciate the Surgeon General’s initiative in identifying this crisis, forgive me for being a bit skeptical that public policy is going to fix our isolation and loneliness tendencies.

Statistically speaking, if you are reading this you are likely feeling lonely or have routine relationships with people that are feeling lonely.  According to research there are some alarming changes:

• Household Family Social Engagement – Down 5 hours per month
• Companionship – Down 14 hours per month
• Social Engagement with friends – Down 20 hours per month
• Non-Household Family Engagement – Down 6.5 hours per month
• Social Engagement with Others – Down 10 hours per month

That’s a lot of disconnection in our society.  What are we doing with our time?  Well, we’re likely not watching the news!  But, we are probably more engaged with digital media.  This engagement is not satisfying our social deficiencies.  It’s medicating, or numbing our minds to try not to feel these deficiencies.  

This is is an absolute crisis.  Technology and technology researchers are investing billions of dollars to consume our attentions with our screens.  They’re attempting to grab hold of our focus and sell us products for the sake of making billions more than they’re investing in research.  You cannot overcome their efforts without being incredibly intentional.  

Are you willing to get swallowed up by the digital tidal wave? Or, are you willing to be intentional about breaking free?  Whether you mean to or not, you’re making a choice.  If you’re not choosing to break free you are absolutely being swallowed up by it.
Action Step:  At the end of the day, take a moment to jot down the amount of time you believe you’ve engaged with digital social spaces (FB, Instagram, Reddit, TikTok, X, or any other social space).  The next day, actually track the amount of time you’ve spent using digital social media spaces.  See if your assumptions and your reality align.  Are there any changes you’d like to make to resist the digital tidal wave and re-engage in authentic community?

The post The National Loneliness Epidemic first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

Everyone says that business is about relationships.  There’s no doubt that’s true.  But, when you’re a solo-preneur, you often find yourself with so many relationships but very meaningful relationships.  To keep your business moving forward you have to keep moving on from nurturing one relationship to nurturing the next.  The small business person runs the risk of having a million surface-level relationships.

Yet, to live your best life you need a community around you.  And, not just any community–a very specific community that helps you grow the life you’ve wanted to live.

In my journey, I’ve tried a lot of different kinds of communities.  I’ve tried business networking groups, church small groups, professional organizations, co-working spaces, and many other types of community.  Each of them has served very specific purposes.  But, after a season, they often feel lacking.  It wasn’t until recently that I was able to really name why.

Often when I’m in those groups, our collective interest is about one aspect of our lives.  In networking groups the common point is usually around a service we provide and the focus is on our profession.  In church groups it’s about the spiritual conversation.  In most groups we have an affinity for the same thing and that’s the thing we focus on in that group.  But, none of us are single-faceted.  Our lives are multi-dimensional.  In fact, I believe there are nine elements of our lives that can directly impact our sense of fulfillment.

If you want to create stability in your life to help you overcome the loneliness be purpsoeful about building your inner-circle of people.  Find a group of people that will be invested in you and allow you to be invested in them.  Find your people that you trust to invest in your whole life and not just one aspect of it.  

Be intentional about surrounding yourself with four or five people that help raise the bar for your whole life and not just one dimension.  When you have the right people around you and you spend meaningful time with your people there’s a calibration that occurs in your life.  You know you have stability because there are people that know you and will help you live the life you desire and not just the life other people desire for you.

Overcome loneliness by building the right community of people around you.

Action step:  Create a list of the 5 people you spend the most time with (outside of your immediate family).   Consider if these people are helping your pursue a completeness of your life or a completeness of what they want from you?  Of the current list of your five people determine who you need to go deeper with and who you may need to create some separation from so that you can have room to go deeper with someone else who will want you to live your best life.

The post It’s Lonely Out There first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

I’m constantly growing, relearning, and re-orienting myself to the new understandings I get. We do it from childhood as we learn to crawl. We should do it throughout life.

In this study of building communities, I learn from many different sources (our community, reading, podcasts, etc.). I’m looking at re-illustrating the Levels of Community Triangle. I can’t wait to refine it and see your feedback on this.

The first change is to the community level. I’m shifting the language from Community to Connection.

My hot take: We can have community all around us and never feel connection.

Would you agree or disagree with that statement?

The post Alone in a Crowd…Ever Feel That? first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

Are there lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic that have impacted how we engage today? Some conveniences of that time have stuck with us. Some of them are wonderful, yet isolating. Without being purposeful, we can navigate life daily, even weekly, with little to no direct human engagement. That’s a problem because each of us needs interaction with other people…even the introverts lurking in the back!

The post A New Culture of Isolation? first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.