Impostor syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that causes high-achieving individuals to doubt their accomplishments and abilities. It’s common among new real estate brokers, and it can be a major roadblock to reaching your goals.
The feeling of not belonging or not being good enough can be overwhelming, and it can prevent those just entering the industry from reaching their full potential.
However, with the right strategies and support, you can overcome this mindset and become a real estate superstar. Here are a few insider tips for gaining the confidence you need to succeed from our experienced management team.
Know the Signs
This mental condition isn’t always obvious — and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not a sign of weakness or a lack of ability, and once you identify the characteristics, you can start taking steps to address the issue.
Do you frequently have a hard time talking about yourself positively, taking praise, or accepting a compliment? If so, it could be more than just an overabundance of humble pie. Feeling self-doubt is something that just about everyone goes through at some point in their career, but it can be debilitating when you’re first starting out as a broker.
Chronic procrastination and putting off must-do tasks are other clues that you have a bigger-than-normal fear of failure, another symptom of this type of inferiority complex.
Is it a struggle to handle on-the-spot questions from a client, even if you’re armed with all the answers they seek? Do you lack confidence in your own expertise? Do you feel paralyzed when it’s time to make a decisive move? These roadblocks can hold you back and make you seem unsure, uninterested, or even apathetic to the clients you’re trying to help.
Embrace the Learning Process
The first way to combat impostor syndrome is by recognizing that it’s affecting you negatively and then making a plan of attack. Identifying the problem and then discussing it with a therapist or your mentor can make a world of difference.
Real estate is a complicated industry, and it takes time to master the spectrum of necessary skills and best practices. Instead of feeling intimidated by the learning curve, embrace it, and focus on emphasizing your strengths and unique abilities.
There are a million inspirational quotes about failure being part of success. You have to be patient with yourself. No one begins as an expert. Give yourself more confidence by taking every available continuing education course, attending workshops and conferences, and seeking out invaluable new networking opportunities.
It’s also crucial to surround yourself with positive people and continue to strive for excellence. You care deeply about the quality of your work, but remember that everyone makes mistakes. What will make you stand out from the crowd is your willingness to learn and grow.
Flip the Script
It’s totally possible to alter your thinking and develop healthier habits that will eradicate any lingering imposter syndrome behaviors.
If you’ve already given up on your 2023 New Year’s resolutions, you might feel as if you’re unable to make positive changes. But you can — you just need to approach it from the right direction.
The important thing is consistency and the way to be consistent is to start by setting simple, achievable goals for yourself. Set a calendar reminder to spend one minute a day listing and celebrating your accomplishments.
Become aware of what circumstances or situation kicks off the imposter thought process, and make a conscious effort to visualize winning instead of dwelling on feelings of impending disaster.
Another hedge against the imposter mindset is to create a killer business plan. This is more than just a list of to-dos or a vague schedule, it’s a flexible, living document that helps you build a strong foundation and ensure you’re using your time effectively.
In the real estate world, confidence is everything. Your clients depend on you for expert guidance and in-depth knowledge of the local housing market. You’re far more likely to get those priceless glowing referrals and qualified leads if you present an image of savvy competence and grace under pressure.
Find the Perfect Culture Fit
Launching your career in real estate isn’t easy. It takes dedication, passion, planning, and a willingness to learn and step out of your comfort zone.
Baird & Warner Lincoln Park offers new brokers an unparalleled opportunity to work directly with a full-time, hands-on management team and reap the benefits of mentorship from some of Chicagoland’s top industry professionals.
If you’re ready to expand your horizons and discover your true potential, we’re here to help — contact us today!