When you’re struggling in your career, it’s easy to feel like quitting is the best option. But what if you’re about to be part of the 92% who don’t make it? Take a step back and listen to the story of one struggling agent who faced a tough decision.
One of the people I work with is a restaurant owner—a husband and wife team who run a pizza business. They’ve done well for themselves, making millions, but like many businesses, they were hit hard by COVID-19. Recently, they sat down and told me they were considering leaving the pizza industry for something else. Their reason? They felt they would do better in a different industry.
I challenged them on that. “Is the business getting too hard, or are you just ready for a change?” I asked. They admitted it was because things were getting difficult. I wanted to get to the heart of their frustration, so I asked them a simple question: “How many relationships have you been in before you got married? How long did it take you to realize how annoying certain things about your partner are?”
I pointed out that sometimes, even though we love someone, we still get frustrated with them. And sometimes, divorce makes sense. But here’s the catch: I told them that before they give up, they should go through therapy together for 12 weeks. If after that, they still feel the same way, then they should consider a divorce. But if not, they should stay committed.
What does this have to do with struggling agents? Well, my message to them was simple. You’re in an incredible industry, but it’s not easy. You’re facing five years of hardship, and only if you make it through that, you’ll see the rewards. Some agents fail because they lack dedication. They make a few big sales and immediately blow their earnings on luxuries like a Rolex. This business isn’t about instant rewards; it’s about staying the course.
My challenge to you, the struggling agent, is this: Stick with it for five years. If, after giving it your all, nothing is working, then you can walk away and try something else. But if you stay patient and committed, you may find that your wildest dreams become reality. Countless successful people in this industry have faced moments where they almost gave up—yet, they didn’t.
Recruiting is another big part of success. In this business, it’s not enough just to sell. You need to learn how to recruit and develop other agents. That’s how you build an agency, whether it’s five agents or 15,000. Without a system in place, it’s impossible to replicate and scale.
As for the secret to success, it’s about doing what others aren’t willing to do. It’s about giving your best when others are backing out. I can tell you, from my personal experience, there were times when my friends would give up, but I kept pushing. Whether it was making extra calls or staying in the office on a Saturday night, I didn’t stop. It’s that extra effort—the “8 percent” that others are unwilling to do—that makes the difference.
In the end, it’s about perseverance. When you’re the last one standing, making those extra calls, or doing what others aren’t, that’s when success comes. So, to the struggling agent, remember this: Stay patient, keep working, and your time will come.
