Comparison stealing your joy?

I found myself in yoga class doing Savasana (corpse pose, i.e. the ultimate in relaxation poses) and I am supposed to be in my practice, in the moment, and I am thinking about someone that I had a conversation with at a networking event and how their REI business was blowing up and opportunity was smacking them in the face every which way they looked. I got pissed, "Get the hell out of my yoga practice, man." Then I went down the shame spiral of, "They must be working harder and smarter. I'm probably not working hard enough? Don't I care as much as them? People like them more. Why don't people like me?" HOLD THE PHONE, what the hell did I just say? How did I get to talking about someone's success to people don't like me all while I am trying to mimic a relaxed corpse? I let that in, why? I am an educated, likable, and successful little gal, but I am a completely different human being with a completely different journey and why would I waste my time comparing my journey (which I love) to someone else's, which I am only observing?

As an investor and an agent, I am constantly surrounded by super successful people doing their thing. Investors and agents aren't really known for holding back their ego and mentioning their success. It appears very in your face at times and investors are getting younger and younger which is totally badass (I have many young badass investor clients whom I adore), but this can be a dangerous environment for the more sensitive investor, who maybe got started late, hit some roadblocks, switched strategies and is starting education over, etc. and could potentially stop them from getting in the game in the first place and that would be a huge bummer. 

That is why I became an agent who works with primarily investors. I wanted to be that professional encouragement that I didn't have when I started out in REI In order to weed through all the negative chatter that happens when taking a big risk and making gutsy moves. Don't give anyone consent to come into your mind and make your feel inferior or less than. They most likely aren't doing it on purpose, but I've come across quite a few who are and you start to read their kind quickly.....steer clear. There are so many amazing and encouraging people to work with in this REI business you can let those ones fall to the wayside! No deal is worth your self esteem.

With social media today, people's success or what they want you to perceive as their "success" is in your face and at your fingertips and with every beep, chime and ring your phone is telling you someone just closed a deal, leased their space, made 1MM bucks, etc. and while seeing and reading some of these posts can inspire introspective analysis and produce productive catalysts in your life, there comes a times when it can be damaging and unproductive to constantly be bombarded with people's social proof. Other people's success is exciting, inspiring and contagious, and in today social media heavy environment, with money and RE deals happening nationwide and worldwide, social proof is an integral part of due diligence on a future partner, investor, agent, etc. Here are some rules that I try to live by, I am not perfect (thank goodness) and I am human and I am sure I break these on occasion, but I certainly try and it's made me a better agent, educator and investor.

• Let your actions speaks louder than your social media.
  
• Don't be a douche when you post on your social media. Be proud, but humble.
  
• Be genuine, if you're unique add your personality to your content.
• Leave encouraging comments.
• Meet people where they are at in their journey and encourage them.
  
• Don't one up someone, listen and ask questions. If they ask in return, share your story.

Be a reason someone is inspired, not deflated. Go and get 'em investors! See you around.