Recently, I had to respond to a group of people by a specific date. I fully intended to get back to them early. In my mind, I would respond well before the deadline — thoughtful, organized, ahead of schedule.

But life got busy.

Work filled in the gaps. Family needed attention. The days moved quickly. And before I knew it, I was responding… on the deadline date.

I met the deadline. Nothing fell apart. But it reminded me of something important:

Deadlines matter more than intentions.

The Truth About “I’ll Get to It”

In business — especially in real estate — there are so many things we mean to do:

• Follow up with that lead.
• Clean up the database.
• Call past clients.
• Organize marketing materials.
• Review goals.
• Launch that new idea.

We carry these tasks in our heads like open tabs on a computer. They drain mental energy. We think about them repeatedly, but without a deadline, they float.

And floating tasks rarely get finished early.

A Deadline Creates Focus

When someone else sets the deadline, we almost always meet it. We respect it. We prioritize it.

But when we set loose timelines for ourselves?
“Soon.”
“This week.”
“When things calm down.”

That’s when tasks drag on.

A real deadline forces clarity. It asks:

• Is this important?
• When exactly will it be done?
• What has to happen before that?

Deadlines create structure. Structure creates action.

Life Will Always Be Busy

I had every intention of responding early. But the truth is, life doesn’t slow down to accommodate good intentions.

There will always be:

• Emails.
• Calls.
• Family obligations.
• Unexpected issues.
• Market changes.

Waiting for a calm stretch to get ahead is unrealistic. The calm stretch rarely comes.

Instead, we need to create urgency — on purpose.

What Needs a Deadline in Your Business?

Take a moment and ask yourself:

What have you been meaning to do?

Is it:

• Updating your CRM?
• Calling your top 25?
• Creating a weekly email?
• Hiring an assistant?
• Defining your business vision?
• Cleaning up your marketing plan?

If it matters, give it a date.

Not “someday.”
Not “soon.”
A specific date on the calendar.

Even better, tell someone. Accountability sharpens commitment.

Progress Over Perfect Timing

Here’s what I learned from responding right on the deadline: I work well with structure. Most of us do.

If something truly matters, don’t leave it floating in intention. Anchor it in time.

Because the difference between “I should” and “I did” is usually just a deadline.

And in business, momentum often begins the moment you decide,
“This will be done by…”

If you’re ready to stop doing this alone and start building something bigger, it may be time to join a real estate team. The right team offers mentorship, accountability, shared resources, and a culture that helps you grow faster—without losing your individuality. If you’re driven, coachable, and serious about your future in real estate, let’s talk about whether a team environment is the next step for you. Your next level doesn’t have to be a solo climb.