6 Insights That Can Make You Better Than Ever

He’s an unstoppable force in the personal-development field. He has coached executives, athletes and other super-achievers the world over. And Darren Hardy got his start in the business world as a quite successful RE/MAX agent. Here’s a taste of what you’ll hear from this dynamic speaker and mentor at R4.

Change begins with awareness
I got started in real estate when I was 20, and I did really well. At the end of my first year in business, I met with my accountant and discovered I owed $100,000 in taxes. I never set aside money to pay my taxes; what I earned passed through my hands like water. He told me to buy a 50-cent notepad and write down every penny I spent for the next 30 days. After just one week, it became clear to me how much I was spending.

Bad habits are barriers
You have to discern the habits that hinder you from the ones that help you. Then start tracking your progress. When you start seeing positive results, you’ll become addicted to repeating the right habits over and over again.

Distractions will control your life if you let them
Ceaseless distractions suck us into those time-burning activities that overwhelm and overexert us – and leave us unfocused. You need systems to stay on track throughout the day.

There’s no progress without a plan
Step 1: Figure out what three goals, if you accomplished them this year, would make 2014 the biggest year of your life.
Step 2: Determine what key behaviors are most important to achieving those goals. And finally, track the key behaviors to get you there.

Rejection doesn’t have to hold you back
We all experience failure. It hurts, and it’s OK because we’re human. Sulk a little; then brush yourself off and get back to work. The best motto to live by: This too shall pass.

Focus on your vital functions
When I was a Realtor, I got paid to do three main things: pitch listings, negotiate contracts and prospect. An assistant or other team member could handle everything else. If you haven’t hired an assistant or built a team, you should do it before you need one. Team or no team, you should have trusted vendors (lenders, title reps, contractors, etc.) you can refer clients to, so you stay focused on your vital functions. If you’re not rainmaking, you’ll end up with a dry pipeline.