Monday Morning Match is a quick post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.
“If you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute to do”
I’m heading out of town for some speaking engagements this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and then Iowa City, Iowa. It’s the start of a busy few months for the real estate industry as many state associations, local boards and brands hold their conventions and annual meetings in the Autumn months as the residential real estate markets typically slow down a little bit at this time of year.
It’s also a great time for personal trips or vacations for college or professional football games, seasonal excursions like cruises or simply getting away to that second home. Of course, many people with children are done with vacations now that school is back in session across most of the United States but they’re already planning ahead to holiday breaks and even pricing out next year’s Spring Break vacations.
Anyone who has been involved in the real estate industry for any amount of time knows the old adage, “If you want to get really busy, plan a vacation.” It’s almost a guarantee that right before you need to leave, you’re going to suddenly find yourself very busy. Buyers suddenly find “the home”, Sellers receive an offer and that referral you thought was officially MIA calls to schedule some showings. It’s great when it happens but it sometimes makes you scratch your head and laugh.
“Where was all this business when I had nothing else to do” we often rhetorically ask ourselves.
Parkinson’s Law at Play
Have you ever heard of Parkinson’s Law? Attributed to British Naval Historian Cyril Parkinson, its states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.” In other words, tasks that have a two-week deadline will most likely take two weeks to complete but something that is due at 5pm today suddenly can get finished by 5pm. Or, more applicable would be that last second negotiation that happens as you’re packing, cleaning the house, writing instructions for the dog-sitter and ordering the Uber on your iPhone. It’s part of the reason I haven’t missed a Monday Morning Match in over three years because when Sunday night rolls around, I know it’s time to write. I rarely ever finish a MMM post before Sunday because I always feel like I have time.
Have an important task you need to get done? Instead of letting it sit on the “when I have time” list in the dark recesses of your mind, write down a deadline and let Parkinson’s Law help you get it done. Need to accomplish something quickly? Make a public declaration when it will be completed and allow the forces of nature to help you get focused.
Now get started today building relationships, solving problems and having fun. Do you think you could accomplish all three before the end of the week?
Something tells me you probably can.
Photo Credit: Araia Martinez via Flickr