Originally published 25 March 2024. Updated 12 September 2026.
Three things worked for me after more than 20 years in real estate. First, admit it out loud; the weight lifts the moment you stop pretending. Second, take one hour every day with every device powered off. A vacation was not realistic in this market, and an hour of true disconnection turned out to be enough. Third, come back to your clients only when you are present; they can tell the difference, and the business follows.
More on this in Leigh Brown coaching and on Real Talk with Leigh Brown.
I've been in real estate for over 20 years now, and throughout that time I've seen it all - booming markets, crashing markets, and everything in between. But nothing could have prepared me for the frenetic pace and non-stop demands of the past two years. As agents, we're expected to be upbeat and positive at all times, but behind the scenes many of us feel depleted. Recently, even I was struggling with a level of burnout I didn't think was possible. In this post, I'm sharing my story and the surprising solution that got me back to feeling like myself again.
It wasn't until a good friend privately reached out for help that I realized just how exhausted I felt. As leaders, we're so used to being the ones with all the answers that it can be hard to admit our own weaknesses. But as soon as I allowed myself to own up to the burnout, I felt a weight lift.
I knew I needed to make a change, but thought I had to go all out with a vacation - something just not feasible in this market. What I discovered is that even just an hour of true disconnection from devices can work wonders. Now I make sure to power everything off for quiet time every day.
Reconnecting with clients when I'm in a good headspace has made all the difference. They can tell I'm fully present instead of just pushing through. As a result, my business has been thriving in new ways.
If you want to learn more strategies for avoiding burnout through my Mastering Mindset for Real Estate online training program. Click here to get started. Prioritizing self-care will not only help you recharge - it will take your career to new heights.
~Leigh
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~ Leigh Brown, Broker/Owner, REALTOR®, Speaker, Coach
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Real Estate Broker. Author. Coach. CSP® (Certified Speaking Professional™) Keynote speaker. Leigh Brown is laser-focused on inspiring people to be better, strive for more, and to take the reins and lead!
Learn more about me at www.leighbrown.com
𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙉𝙀𝘾𝙏 𝙒𝙄𝙏𝙃 𝙈𝙀
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