Two weeks ago, I lost out on the opportunity to exclusively sell a multifamily building in a submarket that I have the largest market share. “Largest market share” just means having a significant portion of control of inventory/buildings sold in a certain neighborhood/submarket.

While I could have sulked after hearing the disappointing news, instead I called the sellers and asked what I could have done differently to win the business. To my surprise, the sellers mentioned that they had never been asked that question before and were surprised at how well I received the news.

You are probably asking yourself at this point – “Why Are You Telling Me This?”

I learned and accepted early in my career that I probably was not going to sell every property in my submarket(s). However, I was going to definitely make sure that I knew exactly why and what I could have done differently so that I can improve my craft. I wanted to learn from my mistakes so that I would not have to lose out on the business again.

The mindset and approach I take into real estate is no different to someone playing sports or someone experiencing a life endeavor. We take at-bats, and while sometimes we may hit a home run or get a base hit, other times we are going to strike out. What is important is how we deal with defeat and how we process that feeling into making ourselves a better person the next time around.

I have this quote by Mary Pickford printed and framed in my office – “Failure is not falling down, it is not getting up again.”

There are millions of people that have certain quotes that they live by or remind themselves every day in order to be a better person, teammate, etc.

What quote do you live by?