As a real estate agent, you’re constantly juggling a variety of tasks: scheduling showings, negotiating deals, attending open houses, and managing client expectations. Plus, you have to set aside time each day to generate leads and nurture them into becoming clients. The fast-paced nature of the industry can make it challenging to stay focused and productive. Today, we’ll explore common distractions that real estate agents face and offer strategies to help you minimize them and stay focused on what matters.

What distracts you?

Although the specifics may be different, what distracts you may be a common distraction for others as well. We all experience things that distract us. What separates the most successful agents from the rest is that they are able to keep those distractions at bay. Here are the most common distractions:

Phone calls and texts

Your phone is a constant companion and it’s often a source of interruptions. Incoming calls, texts, and notifications can derail your focus and disrupt your workflow. As soon as you hear the notification, your attention may snap to your phone instead of the task at hand. 

Emails

Email is another major time-sink for real estate agents. Although it’s essential to communicate with clients, customers, other agents, and people in your database, it can also be a source of distraction. This is especially true if you’re expecting an email.  

Social media

Social media can be a valuable tool for marketing your listings and connecting with potential clients. Unfortunately, it can also be a major distraction, especially if you’re constantly checking for updates and messages, or just scrolling your feed.

Visitors

People may drop by your office unannounced, interrupting your tasks and derailing your productivity. If you’re working from home, family members may pop up to ask questions or make conversation. Even if you’re working from a coffee shop or other location, you may become distracted by those around you. 

Computer tabs and windows

How many tabs do you have open right now? If you’re like most people, you probably have multiple tabs and windows open on your computer at any given time. This can make it difficult to focus on a single task and can lead to distractions.

The good news is there’s hope to help you fight these distractions, at least during your most productive time of day. 

How to minimize distractions and stay focused

You may not be able to get rid of distractions completely, but you can keep them in check. 

Prioritize your tasks

Use a to-do list or task management app to prioritize your tasks. This will help you focus on the most important tasks first and avoid getting sidetracked by less urgent items. What’s a high-priority task? Think about what you need to get done each day,  no matter what. Now, of the tasks that are important, what’s the most important? Circle that task. Then go through the next tasks and rank them in order. This is the order in which you’ll tackle them.

Time block your schedule

Allocate specific time blocks for each type of task. For example, lump your lead-generating tasks together and tackle them at once. Or, instead of responding to emails throughout the day, set aside a specific time for email. This can help you stay focused and avoid multitasking, which can negatively impact your productivity in the long run. The added benefit Is that you’re less likely to want to multitask if you know you’ll get to it later in the day.

Schedule your day

It’s not exciting but try to establish regular work hours and stick to them as much as possible. There are some days when this isn’t possible. For example, if you’re doing a showing or meeting with clients.  However, having a general schedule will help you create a sense of structure and discipline, and make you feel as if you have more control over your day. It can also reduce feelings of burnout.

Create a dedicated workspace

This is super helpful if you work from home. Designate a specific area in your home or office as your workspace. This will help you mentally associate that space with productivity and focus. It will also help others see that area as your workspace. If you’re there working, they’ll be less likely to interrupt. It may also help to create a sign notifying people that you’re focusing and post it during your focus blocks. 

Use productivity tools

There are productivity tools available that can help you stay focused and organized. If you want to use technology to block distractions, use a website blocker, noise-canceling headphones, or a task management app.

Delegate

If you can, delegate tasks to others, such as your assistant or team members. This will free up your time to focus on client service, lead generation, and other strategic activities.

Just say no

Sometimes our days are busy and full of distractions because we didn’t say no. Maybe we wanted to help but the task ended up evolving into something else.  It’s important to learn how to say no to things that are not a good use of time. Before you say yes, take a second to think if it will be a good use of your time, energy, and skills. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and stay focused on your priorities.

Take a time-out

We’re more susceptible to distractions when we’re tired or burned out. Taking short breaks throughout the day can help you stay refreshed and focused. A few minutes each hour can work wonders for your focus.

CircleCloser can help you stay focused each day

We created CircleCloser to help real estate professionals build the foundation for a successful business. Our CRM gives real estate professionals the tools they need to keep their businesses organized. Not only will they always know who to contact and when, but they’ll also be able to keep their databases organized and up to date. Fight distractions by always knowing who you need to contact each day. Learn more about CircleCloser. Click here.