Episode 18: Real Estate Goal Setting and Business Planning

Welcome back to Hustle Humbly! In this episode, we’re diving into real estate goal setting, business planning, and choosing your word of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned agent or just starting out, setting intentional goals can help you stay focused, grow your business, and align your work with your life.

Why Most People Don’t Set Goals

A Harvard Business study revealed that 83% of people don’t set any goals. Of the remaining 17%, only 3% actually write their goals down—and that 3% are the most successful. Written goals make you 42% more likely to achieve them, which means just taking a few minutes to put your goals on paper gives you a massive head start.

Why Goal Setting Can Feel Overwhelming

For many real estate agents, picking a number and putting it out into the universe feels intimidating. You don’t control everything—clients, market shifts, or interest rates—but setting realistic goals can help you take control of what you can manage: your time, habits, and mindset.

Different Types of Goals for Realtors

Your goals don’t always have to be numbers. Some agents want to grow, others want to maintain. Maybe your goal is fewer late-night emails or more time with family. Real estate goal setting is about creating a business that supports your life, not the other way around.

How to Start the Goal Setting Process

We break down a simple process that includes:

• Reviewing your past year’s transactions

• Tracking where your business came from

• Analyzing marketing ROI

• Identifying what worked (and what didn’t)

• Choosing your goals based on that data

Once you know your average sales price and income per transaction, you can set an achievable income goal and calculate how many deals it will take to get there.

Create a Business Plan That Supports Your Goals

A solid business plan includes your income target, number of transactions, average commission, and time frame. You should also set goals for activities like open houses, handwritten notes, and lead generation—whatever aligns with where your business succeeds.

Don’t Forget to Reevaluate Throughout the Year

Set quarterly check-ins (every 12 weeks) to review your progress and adjust as needed. Goals aren’t set in stone—they should evolve with your business and your life. Celebrate wins weekly, and don’t wait for January 1 to get started. December is the perfect time to reflect and plan ahead.

Pick a Word of the Year to Guide Your Mindset

Choosing a word of the year like “vision,” “balance,” or “simplify” can help anchor your mindset and keep you aligned with your bigger purpose. Your word becomes a filter for decisions, priorities, and growth throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Real estate goal setting doesn’t have to be stressful. When approached with intention and a flexible mindset, it can be the spark that helps you create a fulfilling and sustainable business. Whether you want to grow, maintain, or pivot, make sure to write it down, track it, and give yourself grace as you work toward it.