The mindset shift that saved my first 5 years in CRE 🧠

Hey friend,

Getting “stuck” in business is not only possible, it’s probable.

I’ve been there before… and you might be there right now.

When you’re stuck, your entire focus narrows and constricts to you. Your frustrations. Your timeline. Your lack of traction. Before long, you fall into the trap of a victim mentality. Deal death ensues.

The key in your first 5 years of CRE (or really any career) is to flip the script from “What am I owed?” to “What can I learn?” … from “I’m not getting enough” to “How do I become more valuable?”

In other words, to be unstuck.

Here’s the weird part… no person can lead you to this place. Certainly not me. This requires insight into the soul, a release of me, and a desire to out-serve everyone around you.

While I can’t get you “unstuck,” I can share the results of doing so:

1. You’re the easy button (direct link below)

The people who win aren’t always the smartest, but they are usually the easiest to work with.

They are flexible, actively listen, and understand that sheer determination isn’t the only tool to succeed in tough deals.

People want them on projects….

The client? Easy experience.
The senior broker? Easy handoff.
The admin team? Easy process.

Unstuck people provide energy. They are low-maintenance and frequently asked to participate in complex people projects.

2. You make silent progress. You get sharp

I waited too long to track my ratios. Now that I’m tracking my calls, connections, meetings, proposals, and successful deals, I can see that I’m getting better.

It’s easier to serve publicly when you know you are growing privately.

It’s easier to be positive when you know that progress is compounding.

I’m not posting it anywhere, but a simple spreadsheet is showing me exactly where to focus. If you track, you’ll always be growing and improving.

No more winging it.

3. You trade short-term entitlement for long-term equity

Sure, working for others can sting. Splits feel small. Credit feels uneven.

But here’s the truth: You're getting paid to build tools you’ll use for the next 20 years. You are learning to own by owning your early career actions and attitudes.

To me? Worth it.

Hopefully, these thoughts help trade bitterness and entitlement for thankfulness and grit.

Justin

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