Thread #1: Security

The exploration of this concept originally came in a conversation with Troy Nelson, the executive director of . Full disclosure, Troy is my brother. ARM is a faith-based organization that provides resources and takes a message of hope and transformation into prisons.

Like a pre-flight safety check before taking off, examining the security thread is essential. My own interesting in exploring this thread came conversations with Troy Nelson, the Executive Director of American Rehabilitation Ministries (ARM). Every individual seeks a unique sense of security. It may manifest as routines or key relationships for prisoners longing for safety within the confines of walls, or as a protective demeanor for someone grappling with the unexpected loss of a marriage.

Whether it’s creating distance, building empires, or wearing a mask, our actions and interactions are usually rooted in the pursuit of security. Recognizing and fortifying this thread is paramount, as a lack of security can destabilize our pursuit of satisfaction across all Nine Elements of Life.

Thread #2: Value

The second thread, value, weaves purpose, respect, and love into the fabric of our lives. Organizations that value their members radiate positivity, energy, and satisfaction. Feeling valued ignites a sense of belonging and purpose, propelling individuals to contribute their best to a team, relationship, or endeavor.

When I work with organizations you can feel the culture when you walk in. When people are valued you feel an energy, you see smiles, you sense a satisfaction with being a part of the team. But, when you walk into an organization that sees their employees as numbers instead of people, you feel the heaviness. You feel the dissatisfaction, see the expressionless faces, and the routine checks of their watches to see how much longer they have to endure working today.

Value helps you keep moving. You see how you fit into the rest of what’s happening. Whether it is with your company, your relationships, or your sports team, when you have clarity on what is needed from you and why it matters it pushes you to do your part. You are experiencing being valued.

One of the greatest examples of this I have is when i talk to my friend Brad. Brad worked for my father-in-law, Dallas, in a manufacturing company. Years after my father-in-law retired whenever I would be in town and run into Brad he would humbly express how much my Dallas meant to him. It takes one singular conversation to realize it was not because Dallas gave Brad a job. It was because Dallas invested in and cared about Brad’s life. Brad felt, and was valued by his Boss and friend. Every one of us needs to feel loved, respected, and a sense of contributing. We all need value.

Understanding one’s role and significance is vital for progress, and clarity on how one contributes makes the journey fulfilling. We all crave that sense of being loved, respected, and making a meaningful contribution—this is the essence of the value thread.

Thread #3: Hope

In my darkest seasons the common denominator is a loss of hope. When my father was sick I lost hope. As a business owner losing key employees there’s a sense of losing hope. As a fan of sports when my favorite team gives up a score in the final moments of a game I lose hope. I begin to grieve my loss.

When we lose hope we lose perspective of so many other important things. Without the thread of hope we will struggle to live into our Life Elements in a fulfilling way.

In my opinion, the best expression of this idea of the importance of hope is Viktor Frankl’s work “Man’s Search for Meaning.” Frankl was a Psychiatrist and Philosopher that endured the horrors of the Holocaust. Frankl observed that the single most important factor for surviving was having hope for the future. Those that lost their drive to accomplish something beyond Auschwitz would inevitably lose their physical and mental health.

Examining Our LIFELINE

In times of struggle, our lifeline must be robust and resilient. The combination of all three threads—Security, Value, and Hope—provides the strength needed to weather life’s storms. One thread alone is insufficient, two may be better, but it’s the triad that creates an unyielding lifeline.

How is Your LIFELINE?

So, how is your lifeline? Are you facing a season where the threads are strained or in need of repair? In those moments, reaching out for support becomes an act of courage. Circle of 5 Coaching is here to help you navigate your journey, identify weaknesses in your lifeline, and guide you on the path to repair and rejuvenation.

Your lifeline deserves attention, and it would be an honor for us to stand by you as you strengthen the threads of Security, Value, and Hope. In seeking support, you embark on a transformative journey towards a life that not only survives but flourishes—one where the threads of your existence weave a narrative of resilience, purpose, and unwavering hope.

The post Your LIFELINE: Seeking Security, Value, and Hope first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

Traditionally, industry training nudges professionals towards establishing connections with real estate agents, and I adhered to this by attending meetings, giving presentations, and engaging in personal conversations over coffee. However, when it came to the critical closing moment, I consistently fell short. It wasn’t due to a lack of belief in my services, but rather an overwhelming commitment to authenticity.

My passion, I’ve come to realize, extends beyond the confines of the inspection space. It lies in being a genuine support to real estate agents, listening to their stories, meeting them where they are, and encouraging them to build not just successful careers but fulfilling lives.

My personal struggle with sales calls led me to a profound revelation – I need to stay true to my lane, getting to know people and serving them genuinely, rather than just selling a service. I want to make a living helping real estate agents build great lives, not merely offering them a great inspection.

The Excuse Reveals a Truth

In my journey, my inability to close a deal unveiled a deeper truth about my passion. Do your excuses around certain aspects of your job reveal something about what truly motivates you? Are they rooted in fear or a desire to maintain authenticity? It might be an indicator that your career, which once started as a passion, has transformed into just a job.

What Do Your Excuses Reveal about You?

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. If your excuses are hindering crucial aspects of your job, what do they disclose about your true motivations? Is it fear holding you back or an underlying passion for something beyond your current field?

If you find yourself at a crossroads or in need of clarity, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s explore the possibilities together and identify ways to live into your passion, not just your job. In a Free 30-minute Consult Call, I won’t try to sell you on an inspection. Instead, I’m confident we’ll discover something you genuinely believe in, and you’ll likely grow in your belief in yourself as well.

Let’s embark on a journey to unlock your true potential in the real estate industry. Book your Free 30-minute Consult Call, and let’s discover what resonates with your passion and aspirations.

The post Your Excuses May Be Revealing Something – Listen up first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

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In my mid-twenties, I thought I had it all figured out—I was a pastor, serving a community with my heart and soul. Little did I know that life had other plans.

The abrupt end to my first full-time job hit hard. I was fired by the very church I was so invested in, leaving me with a pain that cut deep. At the same time, my wife had just secured a teaching position in the same small town where I worked, promising a shared journey of service and fulfillment. Until that moment of losing my job it felt like life was all coming together.

This unexpected turn only three months into her job when I found myself unemployed was brutal. Despite the restlessness I had felt in my role, I clung to it, envisioning a future where I could retire with the satisfaction of a life well spent in service to the organization where I started my career five years before.

Hang with me, there’s a point to me sharing this personal tale.

One Ball of Wax

In the depths of my grief, I found solace in a conversation with my mom, a woman who understood the intricate tapestry of a life devoted to ministry. Growing up in a preacher’s home, she illuminated the profound truth that when you’re in the ministry, your existence is tightly bound into a single, inseparable entity—a ball of wax where your professional, social, and spiritual lives converge.

Her words resonated deeply as I reflected on the aftermath of losing my job. In the unraveling of my professional life, I witnessed the simultaneous unraveling of the intricate social network I had painstakingly built over five years. Friends and colleagues who were once woven into the fabric of my daily life were now distant threads, leaving me to navigate the void they left behind.

Yet, the impact extended beyond the professional and social realms. My spiritual life, once anchored in the routine and purpose of my ministry, now sailed turbulent waters. The questions I harbored for God multiplied, echoing through the corridors of my soul. The loss of my job wasn’t just a professional setback; it was a seismic tremor that reverberated through every facet of my being.

The Great Big Realtor Ball of Wax

Much like my experience in ministry, real estate agents are often trained to intertwine every aspect of their lives into one cohesive sphere. The training emphasizes the importance of making every relationship aware of their role as a real estate professional. We sit through sessions that guide us in seamlessly blending our personal, social, and professional lives, creating a unified ‘ball of wax.’

In this world of real estate, we are taught to meticulously craft lists and actively network with everyone we encounter, from acquaintances to close friends and family. Many of us invest significant sums, sometimes hundreds or even thousands of dollars monthly, to ensure our name remains at the forefront of our social circles. The goal is simple: to be the first thought when someone is considering a real estate transaction.

Yet, when we scroll through social media and discover that one of those individuals, someone we’ve diligently connected with and invested time and resources in, has chosen another agent for their buying or selling needs, the pain runs deep. It’s a profound hurt that echoes through the core of our professional and personal identity, leaving us to grapple with the complex emotions that arise when the tightly woven threads of our efforts unravel unexpectedly.

This shared vulnerability invites reflection on the challenges inherent in navigating a career where personal and professional boundaries often blur. Just as in my journey, real estate agents may find themselves wrestling with the intricacies of a life where the successes and setbacks of one domain reverberate through the others.

More than Sales

As we navigate what may be the most challenging market of our careers, the weight of professional expectations coupled with the peculiarities of the current real estate landscape can become overwhelming. The months from December through January, traditionally part of a slower cycle, now present even greater challenges in this abnormal market. It’s undeniably tough.

In a world where every relationship has the potential to be a client, it’s easy to find ourselves projecting a curated, false social media image at every turn. However, beneath the veneer of professional success, what we truly need is a supportive community to accompany us through these difficult seasons—a community not composed of potential clients, but individuals with whom we can candidly share the realities of our lives.

Turning off the autopilot of constantly projecting a sales-oriented persona can be challenging, but your greatest need extends beyond professional connections. It’s the need for genuine friendships, an inner circle that values you for who you are, not just for your role in real estate.

If this resonates with you, if you find yourself yearning for a community that goes beyond transactions and sales pitches, consider reaching out. Let’s have a conversation about building a network that becomes your sanctuary—a space where authenticity takes precedence over salesmanship. Let’s do a Free 30-minute Consult Call and see if there are some areas you may be able to find some low hanging fruit to build your inner circle. Your journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling professional and personal life begins with a simple conversation.

In general, workplace loneliness is an issue. See more here.

The post An Agent’s Unreasonable, Complex, and Messy Life first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

Initially, the tractor appears straightforward—eight tires evenly spaced, a testament to precision engineering. Yet, let’s refine our focus. By shifting the question from tires to wheels, a nuanced revelation emerges. Eight functional wheels seamlessly operating, coupled with the crucial ninth— the steering wheel. While engineers might discern more complexities (here’s one for you engineers), for the rest of us, the eight wheels with tires and the steering wheel encapsulate the essence.

Your Nine Wheels

This insightful exercise serves as a metaphor for life, prompting you to reconsider the breadth of your personal landscape. As a seasoned professional, you’re accustomed to assessing your life through a narrow prism—perhaps fixating on financial achievements or nurturing relationships. However, your life, much like the tractor, comprises nine essential elements, each integral to the smooth operation of your personal vehicle. Here they are in alphabetical order:

• Cultural: Navigating the unwritten rules shaped by your past experiences.
• Emotional: Understanding and engaging with your personal narrative.
• Environmental: Grasping external factors impacting your life’s trajectory.
• Financial: Managing the demands of your financial landscape and future planning.
• Intellectual: Exercising your mind, fostering growth, and accruing wisdom.
• Physical: Ensuring wellness and activity within the confines of a demanding life with limited medication.
• Relational: Building a healthy support network around yourself.
• Spiritual: Cultivating a sense of self, purpose, and values in your life.
• Vocational: Gaining clarity on daily responsibilities and commitments.

Your life vehicle, akin to the tractor, encompasses all nine of these elements, whether you consciously recognize them or not. In a world often fixated on financial, physical, and relational facets, adopting a holistic view becomes paramount for a fulfilling life.

Flat Tires

Now, let’s explore the concept of “flat tires” within your personal vehicle. Envision navigating life’s terrain with a few deflated metaphorical tires. Just as one flat tire limits a tractor’s functionality, neglecting any of the nine elements hinders your life’s optimal operation. Many professionals unwittingly navigate with three to five metaphorical “flat tires,” compromising holistic success for a myopic focus.

Consider the high-achieving professional, working tirelessly—applauded by colleagues (vocational) but estranged from family (relational). Personal fitness and well-being (physical) might be neglected. When expectations in one element of life are achieved while those other element’s needs are unmet, a lingering sense of incompleteness overshadows the success.

That elusive fulfillment, despite personal accomplishments, is often a consequence of overlooking vital areas of your life. As a discerning professional, embrace the challenge of inflating those metaphorical tires and optimizing all nine elements. Satisfaction and completeness in your life journey await those who navigate with a comprehensive and strategic approach. Take the driver’s seat and accelerate toward a harmonious and fulfilling life.

If you are interested in having a guide on your reworking what you consider a satisfying life please reach out and shoot me an email.

The post When Your So-Called Zen Life Feels Disappointing: Re-working Success first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

I have long beat the drum on the idea that there are many types of poverty. Junger captured this idea in a simple illustration. He suggested that if you want financial freedom you might become a corporate attorney. You’ll make extraordinary money, but you’ll have no life outside of work. Then he talked about time freedom. (Brace yourself; this concept may blow your mind like it did mine.) He said for someone who wants time freedom should consider homelessness. A homeless individual has total flexibility without anyone imposing their schedule upon them.

Imagine if we considered wealth and poverty beyond our bank accounts. What if we measured it by our emotional and physical wellness, our environment and cultural health, our intellectual or spiritual condition, or our relationships? Could you feel like a million bucks and not have a fully-funded 401k?

You Might Think I’m Crazy

Shift gears with me for a moment. Imagine if you saw me picking up a rock and looking at it every 2-3 minutes. Imagine if I just spent 5 minutes staring at the rock. What if I spent 45 minutes or an hour staring at it? What would you think of my obsession with this rock? Perhaps you’d ask me if I’m OK. Perhaps you’d ask me if I could put it away. Maybe you’d ask if I have a therapist.

Now, imagine this rock has buttons and a screen on it. Would you still question my obsession with it? The truth is many of us, myself included, stare at our phones every 2-3 minutes and fixate on them for hours.

Take the Crazy out of Thanksgiving

Consider a Thanksgiving where phones are banished from the table, or better yet, from the entire dining room. A radical proposition, but consider the possibilities. What if, without the digital distraction, we rediscover the joy of unbridled conversations, the laughter echoing through the room unmarred by the constant hum of notifications?

The idea may seem daunting, our connection to our devices so deeply ingrained that the mere thought of separation may induce withdrawal. Yet, what if this Thanksgiving becomes a pivotal moment, a collective decision to put our phones away and be fully present with our loved ones?

Imagine if everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering was freed from their devices and fully present with one another? Honestly, our obsession may be so deep we may not respond positively to that. But, what if we respond well? What if we connect deeply with our loved ones? What if we find that putting our phones up is something to be thankful for?

For more content on relationships and personal wellness see our blog.

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The post Grow Your Know – What I’ve Been Feeding My Brain first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

Let’s be honest, the real estate life is a beast! When properties change hands, contracts are signed, and deals are sealed, it’s easy to get lost in the transactional aspects and lose sight of the beating hearts behind each endeavor. To the unsung heroes, the tireless navigators of dreams, this is a heartfelt ode to the real estate agents who infuse life, love, and passion into every square foot they traverse. Beyond the contracts and keys exchanged, it’s about the shared laughter, the shared tears, and the shared moments that make the journey truly remarkable.

You Are Making an Impact

Here’s a list of 25 reasons we are grateful for real estate agents.

1. Passion for Homes: Appreciating the genuine passion real estate agents have for helping people find their dream homes.

2. Late Nights and Early Mornings: Grateful for their hard work, even during the late nights and early mornings, to ensure clients’ needs are met.

3. The Extra Mile: Thankful for the extra mile they go (figuratively and literally), turning transactions into personalized experiences.

4. Heartfelt Guidance: The heartfelt guidance they provide during the emotional journey of buying or selling a home.

5. Friend in the Process: Seeing them not just as agents but as friends navigating the intricacies of the real estate journey together.

6. Celebrating Milestones: Sharing joy in celebrating milestones, big and small, in the homebuying or selling process AND so many other areas of life.

7. Understanding Lives: Appreciating their understanding of how significant homes are in shaping lives and creating memories.

8. Laughs Amidst Stress: Thankful for the laughter and positivity they bring, even in the midst of stressful searches, negotiations, and processes to get us through the process.

9. Coffee and Contracts: Recognizing the countless cups of coffee sipped (or other beverages) while diligently working through contracts for a seamless experience.

10. Advisors and Advocates: Feeling loved for being not just advisors but fierce advocates for their clients’, for our happiness and satisfaction.

11. Comfort in Communication: Finding comfort in their open lines of communication, making the process feel like a heartfelt conversation. Not everything is sunshine and roses, but when there’s a heart in all of it, there’s hope.

12. Shared Excitement: Experiencing shared excitement in the journey, from the first showing to the final closing.

13. Creativity in Solutions: Loving the creativity in problem-solving, turning challenges into opportunities.

14. Home as Heart: Acknowledging their role in helping clients find a place where their hearts feel at home.

15. Building Dreams Together: Grateful for their part in building dreams and creating spaces where memories are born.

16. Expertise with Empathy: Valuing their expertise combined with the empathy they bring to every client interaction. The power is in the mix. Thank you!

17. Patience in Perseverance: Feeling blessed for their patience in persevering through the ups and downs of the real estate journey.

18. Thankful for Their Stories: Recognizing the stories they share, adding a personal touch to the entire experience. With their stories they share their lives and that means a lot.

19. Family Atmosphere: Creating a family-like atmosphere, fostering a sense of trust and comfort.

20. Cheers to Success: When agents when they celebrate. They invite us into their success. Let’s raising a virtual toast to their successes, big and small, in making dreams, our dreams, come true.

21. Heartfelt Thank You Notes: Expressing gratitude through heartfelt thank-you notes for the lasting impact they make. They do this everyday. But, on the day it’s for me it is such a blessing.

22. Smiles in Service: Seeing their smiles as a reflection of genuine dedication to serving others. Some days a client just needs a smile to know it’s going to be alright.

23. Caring Beyond Contracts: Grateful for their caring nature that extends beyond contracts, making clients feel truly valued.

24. Home, Heart, and Humanity: Recognizing their role in not just dealing with homes but touching hearts with their genuine humanity.

25. Love for the Journey: Showering them with love for making the real estate journey not just a transaction but a cherished part of life’s adventure.

Thank You, Agents

As the sun sets on another day in the world of real estate, let this be a resounding thank you. Thank you for turning houses into hopes, for giving vision to spaces helping us see them as sanctuaries, and for being the architects of dreams. Your dedication, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the human side of this industry do not go unnoticed. Keep forging connections, painting dreams in bricks and mortar, and remember that each key handed over is a testament to the lives you’ve touched. Here’s to the real estate agents who make a house a home and a client a cherished part of their story. May your paths be paved with success, your endeavors be crowned with joy, and your journey be as rewarding as the homes you help create. Onward, with gratitude and best wishes for the chapters yet to unfold.

One more thing to encourage real estate professionals. I send out a weekly email to real estate pros. In it I include “A Prayer for Real Estate Professionals.” Here’s a link to this week’s prayer. Thank you for all you do!

The post Empathy and Expertise: You Inspire and Empower first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

The post A Prayer for RE Professionals – 11/19/23 first appeared on Circle of 5 Coaching.

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.