How often do we limit ourselves without even realizing it? Whether it’s the deals we close, the money in our bank account, or the goals we set, there’s often an invisible ceiling holding us back—a “thermostat” that dictates our comfort zone. But here’s the truth: growth and comfort rarely coexist. If you want to reach your full potential in business and life, it’s time to smash that thermostat and embrace a mindset of continuous growth.
Smash Your Internal Thermostat
We all have an internal “thermostat” that functions just like the one in our house. You set it for a certain temperature, and when the temp dips below that setting of 70 degrees, the furnace kicks on and starts generating heat. We run our businesses and our lives the same way.
We all have an internal “thermostat” based on the number of deals we have in escrow or the amount of money we have in our bank account. When we hit that number, the furnace turns off, and we stop working to generate more “heat”—or business, in this case. Want to know a secret that all top performers in real estate have in common? Smash your thermostat. Either break it completely or set the temperature so high that your furnace never turns off.
This idea doesn’t just apply to real estate. It applies to any profession or personal endeavor. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle where you’re only motivated to work when your resources dwindle, this principle can transform your mindset. By setting your goals beyond your current comfort zone, you build momentum that drives consistent effort, no matter your circumstances.
Comparing You to You
Comparison is the thief of joy. It is also the thief of continuous and steady growth. A secret to avoiding the deadly cycle and achieving continuous growth in your business is to keep working even when you hit a comfortable level of deals in escrow or money in the bank. Instead, focus on massive goals that take years to achieve and judge yourself based on where you were yesterday and who you were yesterday, rather than just settling for a few deals in escrow. Agents’ businesses tend to fluctuate dramatically not because of market forces or even seasonal fluctuations, but rather due to their discipline to keep building for the future rather than focusing on their full pipeline today. Remember, your pipeline in six months will reflect the work you are doing today just as your pipeline today is a reflection of the work you were doing six months ago.
Setting ambitious goals forces you to think differently. It’s not just about adding more deals or income but about creating systems and opportunities that make growth sustainable. For example, by earning enough to hire administrative help or a buyer’s agent, you free up your time to focus on the bigger picture. That’s when you transition from being a salesperson to a true business owner.
Long-term goals also provide clarity and purpose. Whether it’s building multi-generational wealth, selling your business in 5-7 years, or creating enough passive income to retire early, these objectives give you something to work toward that’s far more meaningful than hitting a monthly sales target. When you think BIG, you break the chains of small objectives that keep you stuck in the same cycle year after year.
The Cost of Comfort
It’s easy to fall into the trap of comfort. When you reach a certain level of success, the urgency to push harder often fades. But this comfort comes at a cost. Without continual growth, your business and personal development can stagnate. What’s worse, the world around you doesn’t stop moving forward, and staying still can actually mean falling behind.
By constantly raising your internal thermostat, you ensure that your goals remain challenging and inspiring. This doesn’t mean working yourself into exhaustion; it means working with purpose. It means aligning your efforts with the future you want to build and making intentional choices to move toward that vision every day.
Think Bigger, Aim Higher
Breaking free from the limits we set for ourselves isn’t easy, but it’s the key to creating a business and life you’re truly proud of. Think bigger, aim higher, and don’t let temporary comfort derail your long-term vision.
So, what’s your thermostat set at? Take a moment to reflect and ask yourself if it’s time to raise the temperature.