Not a fan of cheese sandwiches? It’s okay. You have options!

The story goes like this: a man was in the office lunch room, opened his lunch bag and sighed, "No, not a cheese sandwich again!" Next day, same thing: "No, I can't believe it, another cheese sandwich!"

Then a coworker chimed in, "Why don't you tell your wife to make you something different?" The man looks up from his sandwich and says, "I make my own lunch."

Let me ask you a question: How do you like your own "lunch" these days – in other words, your life?

If you're not where you want to be, let me suggest a trip to the nearest mirror. Now, if you feel like your problems are the fault of someone or something else, please quit reading now. I won't be any help to you. But if you're willing to look in that mirror and admit you're responsible for you and all the situations you sometimes find yourself in, please continue reading – you're the kind of person I like to do business with.

If you remember one thing from this article, please make it this: The most important choice we can make today – and every day – is to adopt a positive attitude and take action.

That's one of the most important lessons I've learned after helping REALTORS® with their businesses over the last 20 years. It all boils down to attitude. You have a choice on how to react to every single thing that occurs in your life.

And here are three other traits of successful REALTORS®:

1. Masters of time management. Every top producer I've ever met understood just how valuable time is in the real estate industry. They came to learn through trial and error which tasks yielded the most return on investment of their time. Then they created an ideal weekly schedule and followed it religiously.

2. Able to relate to people. The best agents know that real estate is a people business. And they know people do business with those who are most like them. That's why they employ this little secret when talking with people: They mirror the prospect. They subtly mimic their physical movements – it's proven to work. Learn how to do this and you'll sell more real estate. You can learn more about how to relate better to others by using the DISC personality profile system.

3. Insatiable learners. They're always willing to learn more about their profession. They understand that the reason clients come to them is because of their knowledge. That's especially true today when information is at the fingertips of anyone with internet access. Pledge right now to be an insatiable learner and continue to educate yourself — to be a student of real estate. Attend conferences and continuing education classes. Of course, I'd be remiss in not suggesting you hire a coach who can hold you accountable and who can add fresh new perspectives. Sports stars have coaches for a reason – they can lead you in the right direction.

I'll end by saying that I can share these and many other helpful attributes all day long, but what it really comes down to is you and your willingness to explore how you're going to implement them into your daily life. Thoughts require action. Take the time to plan what kind of agent you want to be – average or amazing.

Tell me what you're thinking. Are you accepting full responsibility for your life? If not, why not? Which of these traits fit you? Which don't? How can you improve? Share any comments or questions you have in the comments below or on my Facebook page.

To view the original article, visit the Homes.com blog.