Real estate agents know that setbacks are part of the game. Deals collapse, markets fluctuate, clients change their minds. But what if these obstacles weren’t just roadblocks? What if they were opportunities in disguise, a chance to reinvent oneself?
Leadership coach Amy Shoenthal introduces the “Setback Cycle,” a transformative framework designed to turn these challenges into success. Her insights, which apply directly to the unpredictable world of real estate, offer a roadmap for navigating the ups and downs with resilience and growth.
Phase 1: Acknowledge the Setback
The first phase of the Setback Cycle is simply recognizing when you’re facing a setback. These moments can hit like a sledgehammer—a lost listing or a failed deal. However, some setbacks are subtler, creeping in as a loss of enthusiasm or a feeling of being stuck in a routine.
Shoenthal offers an effective tool to identify these phases: the “Alarm Clock Checklist.” By asking yourself daily what energizes you and what disengages you, real estate professionals can uncover important patterns. Are you thriving in client-facing roles but bogged down by administrative tasks? Are you inspired by luxury listings but drained by low-inventory markets? Identifying these insights helps determine whether you’re in a setback and offers a path forward for meaningful change.
Phase 2: Embrace Discomfort
The second phase is about embracing discomfort. “This is the hardest phase because it requires us to get uncomfortable,” Shoenthal admits. Discomfort often accompanies setbacks, but rather than avoiding it, Shoenthal encourages embracing it.
Neuroscientific studies show that setbacks trigger the brain’s flexibility and resilience, akin to strengthening a muscle. In real estate, this could mean adapting to new technologies, exploring unfamiliar markets, or reassessing long-held strategies. For instance, an agent struggling with digital marketing might initially feel overwhelmed, but learning these new tools can ultimately lead to greater reach and more listings.
The key takeaway here: discomfort is often a precursor to growth.
Phase 3: Explore and Cultivate Community
Once you’ve embraced discomfort, the next phase is exploration and community building. “The best thing you can do in the explore phase is cultivate your community,” Shoenthal advises. Networking isn’t just about securing clients—it’s about building a support system that can inspire and sustain you through tough times.
For real estate agents, this means reconnecting with past clients, seeking mentorship, or collaborating with industry peers. A single referral or partnership could open doors to new opportunities. Shoenthal’s practical tip: send a quick text or message to someone in your network before you unwind for the night. Small gestures like this can yield significant results over time.
Shoenthal’s own story exemplifies this phase. After losing her job, she leaned on her network to land marketing clients and build a thriving business. It was her community’s belief in her abilities that helped her reframe her narrative and turn a setback into a stepping stone.
Phase 4: Emerge Stronger
The final phase of the Setback Cycle is emergence. It’s where transformation takes place, but it requires deliberate action. “You have the tools. Now you need to decide what to build,” says Shoenthal. For real estate agents, this could mean applying lessons learned to refine marketing strategies or improve client interactions.
Shoenthal also stresses the importance of rest during this phase. After introspection, strategizing, and exploration, it’s natural to feel exhausted. “Take the rest. Recognize any barriers and give yourself the grace to step around them,” she says. Rest isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s essential preparation for the next chapter.
Shoenthal echoes the sentiment of neuroscientist Chantel Prat, who asserts that people who have faced more setbacks are often better problem-solvers and can course-correct more easily. For real estate professionals, this adaptability is invaluable. A setback, such as losing a major client, may initially feel like a blow. But by reflecting on the experience, seeking advice from colleagues, and refining their approach, an agent can emerge stronger and more prepared for future opportunities.
Conclusion: Setbacks as Stepping Stones
The Setback Cycle is more than a theory—it’s a practical tool for real estate agents to navigate challenges and come out stronger. By recognizing setbacks, embracing discomfort, building community, and emerging with renewed purpose, agents can turn every setback into a stepping stone to success.
As Shoenthal puts it, “Your metamorphosis is complete.” For real estate professionals, this mindset shift transforms challenges into opportunities, making setbacks not an end, but the beginning of a new chapter.
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