4 Key Steps for Real Estate Agents to Set Goals That Stick

How Real Estate Agents Can Set and Achieve Goals for Success

Goal setting is one of the most overlooked aspects of running a successful real estate business. While many agents have aspirations, few take the time to create actionable goals—and even fewer know how to break them down into manageable steps. This blog will guide you on how to set meaningful goals, create a plan to accomplish them, and suggest some key goals to focus on as a real estate agent.

Why Agents Struggle With Goals

Many real estate agents fail to set or achieve goals because:

1. Their goals are too vague (e.g., “I want more clients”).
2. They lack a clear plan of action for how to achieve those goals.
3. They don’t track progress to adjust when needed.
4. They don’t prioritize goals or align them with their daily activities.

The good news? These challenges are easy to overcome with the right approach.

Step 1: How to Set Goals That Stick

The first step is understanding how to set goals that are specific, actionable, and aligned with your business vision. A proven method is the SMART Goal Framework:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Set a way to track your progress (e.g., number of transactions or revenue).
• Achievable: Make sure the goal is realistic.
• Relevant: Align your goal with your long-term objectives.
• Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to create urgency.

Example: Instead of saying, “I want more clients,” say, “I will close 24 transactions in the next 12 months, averaging two per month.”

Why does the SMART framework work so well? It removes ambiguity. It’s easier to stay committed when you know exactly what you’re working toward, how to measure success, and when you’ve achieved it.

Step 2: Break It Down into Actionable Steps

Once you’ve set a SMART goal, the next step is to break it down into smaller, actionable tasks. Think of these as the stepping stones to your ultimate goal.

1. Start with the End Goal: Write down your primary goal.
2. Create Milestones: Break your goal into quarterly or monthly targets.
3. Identify Actionable Tasks: Determine the daily or weekly actions that will help you hit your milestones.
4. Set Deadlines: Assign deadlines for each task to keep yourself accountable.
5. Track Progress: Use a system like Trello, a planner, or a CRM to monitor your progress.

Example for Closing 24 Transactions:

• Monthly Target: Close 2 transactions.
• 
  Weekly Tasks:
  
  * Call your 5 past client
• * Reach out to 5 local business owners
• * Call 20 prospects from your database
• * Send 10 personalized follow-up emails
• * Attend one networking event
• * Post three engaging social media updates
  * Make 3 new connections on social media – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

Breaking goals into manageable steps not only makes them less intimidating but also allows you to celebrate small wins along the way. These micro-achievements boost your motivation and keep you on track.

Step 3: Good Goals for Real Estate Agents to Set

Not sure where to start? Here are some practical and impactful goals:

1. Grow Your Database
   1. Add 25 new leads to your CRM each month.
   1. Segment your database for targeted marketing campaigns.
2. Increase Listings
   1. Secure 8 new listings in the next 6 months.
   1. Implement a proven Expired Listing System or FSBO strategy.
3. Boost Client Engagement
   1. Send out a monthly newsletter featuring market updates and tips.
   1. Host one client appreciation event per quarter.
4. Improve Marketing
   1. Post three times per week on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
   1. Launch a direct mail campaign targeting a specific farming area.
   1. Create video content that showcases your listings and market expertise.
5. Enhance Professional Development
   1. Complete one real estate course or certification by the end of the year.
   1. Read two books on marketing, negotiation, or sales strategies.
6. Maintain Work-Life Balance
   1. Take one day off per week to recharge.
   1. Implement a time-blocking system to balance personal and professional life.

These goals are diverse, covering lead generation, marketing, client engagement, and personal development. Choose a mix that aligns with your business needs and personal aspirations.

Step 4: Stay Accountable

The final key to achieving your goals is accountability. Without it, even the best-laid plans can fall by the wayside. Here are some strategies to ensure you stay on track:

• Track Your Metrics Weekly: Regularly assess your progress to see what’s working and where you need to adjust. For example, if you’re not hitting your lead generation target, analyze your outreach strategy and tweak it.
• 
  Find an Accountability Partner: Work with a coach, a mentor, or another agent to keep you accountable. Regular check-ins can provide motivation and fresh insights.
• 
  Reward Yourself: Celebrate small wins to stay motivated. Whether it’s treating yourself to a nice dinner or taking a weekend getaway, rewards can make the journey more enjoyable.
• 
  Leverage Technology: Use apps and tools to track your progress and stay organized. CRMs, project management tools like Trello, or even simple spreadsheets can be game-changers.

Overcoming Common Obstacles

Even with a solid plan, challenges will arise. Here are a few tips to overcome them:

• Time Management: If you’re struggling to find time for goal-related tasks, prioritize them by scheduling them into your planner as non-negotiable appointments.
• 
  Procrastination: Break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to reduce overwhelm and build momentum.
• 
  Lack of Motivation: Revisit your “why”—the reason you set this goal in the first place. Sometimes, reconnecting with your purpose is enough to reignite your drive.
•  

Final Thoughts

Setting goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking your goals into smaller steps, staying consistent, and tracking your progress, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible. Start with one or two goals that align with your business vision, and watch your success grow!

Remember, goal setting is not just about reaching a destination; it’s about growing and evolving along the way.

What goals will you set for yourself this year? Let me know in the comments!

Excited to get laser focused on the new year?  Our 90 Day Action Planner will compliment your accountability journey like a glove, so click here to see how it our digital planner can be a powerful tool with organizing your day, week and month.  

Schedule a 30-minute accountability session with me to explore how accountability coaching can transform your business. This session could be the turning point for making 2025 your best year yet.

The Unstoppable Real Estate Agents Podcast
www.TheUltimateExpiredListingSystem.com
www.TheRealEstateAssistantPlaybook.com

PS:  If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it with your colleagues, broker, etc.

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Your Best Year Yet Starts Now

Accountability isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. With the right tools, focus, and support, you can achieve more in the next 12

Here are four key takeaways you can use to promote your blog:

Overcome Common Obstacles – Time management, procrastination, and motivation issues can derail progress. Get expert tips on staying focused and committed to your real estate goals.

Set Goals That Stick – Many real estate agents struggle because their goals are vague or lack a clear action plan. Learn how to create SMART goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable.

Break Goals into Actionable Steps – Success comes from small, consistent actions. Discover how to set milestones, track progress, and stay on course with daily and weekly tasks.

Stay Accountable to Your Goals – Without accountability, even the best plans fall apart. Find out how tracking metrics, having an accountability partner, and using technology can keep you on track.

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