A few weeks ago, I talked with an agent who was spinning out trying to plan her first client appreciation event.

She had a 12-tab spreadsheet. Five venue quotes. Branded candles. A signature cocktail.

And zero RSVPs.

So I asked her a question I come back to often—especially when I’m in overthinking mode:

“What would this look like if it were easy?”

She paused, laughed, and said,

“Honestly? I’d just invite ten of my favorite clients to coffee and call it a thank-you.”

So that’s exactly what she did.
It was simple. It was human. And it worked beautifully.

Why This Question Works

Real estate rewards hustle—but hustle without clarity leads to burnout.

This one question can short-circuit overwhelm and rewire your approach. Here’s why:

1. It reduces cognitive load.
Cognitive Load Theory shows that when we overload our brain with too many variables, performance drops. Simplifying clears mental space and increases follow-through.

2. It improves decision quality.
Decision fatigue research tells us that the more decisions we make, the more impulsive or avoidant we become. “What would this look like if it were easy?” cuts through that fog and gets us back to clarity.

3. It closes the intention-action gap.
Behavioral science explains that we often get stuck between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Simpler tasks are far more likely to get done—and done well.

This isn’t about slacking off. It’s about being smart, strategic, and sustainable.

Try It in These Real Estate Scenarios

• Overwhelmed by lead gen?
  Ask: “What would this look like if it were easy?”
  → Maybe it’s texting five past clients just to check in.
   
• Avoiding social media?
  Ask: “What’s the easiest way to show up right now?”
  → Maybe it’s one story from your car. Real voice. Real moment.
   
• Struggling to price a listing?
  Ask: “What’s the simplest way to protect this relationship and still tell the truth?”
   

When you make things easier, you move faster, build trust quicker, and open up your pipeline—not just with more clients, but with more energy.

Your Turn: The “Ease Audit”

Look at your calendar or to-do list.
Pick the one thing you’ve been avoiding.

Ask: “What would this look like if it were easy?”

Then take one small step based on the answer. Let it be imperfect. Let it be light. Let it create movement.

You don’t get extra credit for making it complicated.

The most effective agents I know? They don’t get stuck in busywork. They know how to simplify, pivot, and execute.

Let this be your reminder:
You’re allowed to let it be easy.

– Molly B.

Founder & CEO, Molly B. Townsend Coaching & Consulting
[email protected]