Downsizing 2 - Comfort Zone
I have worked in real estate in London and here in Melbourne and the fundamental compulsion that gets me up in the morning and excited about my work is being the catalyst for change. I mean literally I am all about changing people’s views but also about changing their attitude towards change and that process.
I live in Cockatoo now with my gorgeous husband and two girls. But it was not always thus. In 2005 I uprooted my life on a massive scale by packing just 4 cardboard boxes leaving London behind and heading for Australia. I shared the same fears as many of you contemplating the downsize - of stepping out of my comfort zone, of letting go of everything that was familiar, of sorting through all my possessions and saying goodbye to most of them. I’ve been there. I’ve done it. And, you know what? I am really glad I did.
So with that in mind lets look at this issue of downsizing…Let’s just take a moment to think about the word “downsizing”. It’s just not very motivating is it? In fact it’s down right negative. “Negative” pretty much sums up most people’s attitude towards it.
There is this feeling of being stuck.
It happens to be my job to help people sell their homes but I find I am dealing with a lot of reluctance from this particular demographic. So it is not just a question I am curious about personally but its also hugely important to address it from a professional standpoint since “comfort” is not a very motivational quality. And unmotivated clients can be very frustrating to work for. (I’m sorry but you can!).
Not only that, but there is a kind of magical element in real estate - when all the parties are absolutely committed to the process of selling - that’s when THE MAGIC HAPPENS and everything just falls into place. When there is reluctance or misgivings or distrust the process can be incredibly difficult and stressful.
Which brings me to one of my favourite quotes. This is by Theodore Roosevelt.
Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.
I am not going to tell you that the process will be totally stress-free. It will be hard and it will be confronting but it will definitely be worth it.