It’s easy to say it now, but I should have used a lot more sunblock when I was younger.
A fair-skinned Irish kid, I played outdoors a lot. I golfed since the seventh grade, went to college in Florida, and worked in the golf business for years.
Sunblock back in the ’70s and ’80s was used more for preventing immediate sunburns than it was for preventing future skin issues, but then that slowly started changing. SPF numbers on sun lotions became more prevalent as skin cancer starting becoming more commonplace in aging people.
I’ve had skin cancer and have several cancerous spots removed from my head and torso so I know all about the future ramifications of ignoring the needed tasks in the past. After my last dermatologist appointment, I was prescribed some medication to apply to my forehead. The doctor warned me that it could cause severe rash, discoloration, and possible discomfort, but it would be the best way to kill off potential future “bad cells.”
I’m in the middle of my second two-week application period and she was right. It’s both painful (imagine a major sunburn that itches like crazy) and obviously super uncomfortable. I’ll keep applying the ointment for another week because I want to avoid future pain and discomfort…or possibly worse. I won’t like it…but I’ll do it.
I just wish I would have known then what I know now.
What Do You Need to Prevent from Happening in the Future?
How’s your pipeline? Do you have some new listings coming to the market soon? Maybe the Sellers are getting some work done or you’re waiting on photographs and other marketing? Do you have some buyers getting their pre-approvals secured and scheduling their buyer counseling sessions so everyone can be on the same page in today’s fast-paced, challenging market?
They say the best indication of future behavior is past behavior so look back and see what activities you were doing consistently 3-6 months ago that will be bringing results in the next few weeks and months. Consistent lead generation is one of the best ways to prevent future dry spells which can certainly be painful and cause severe discomfort.
Most agents make the mistake when they start getting busy not maintaining their lead-generating activities and efforts, only to get all their current deals closed and then have nothing else ready to go.
Let’s all start protecting ourselves by applying the necessary coverage to our business. Build those relationships each day, consistently solve problems, and relentlessly have fun.
And be sure to put on your sunblock!