Perfection is something many agents strive for, but as Adrian Bo, CEO of Adrian Bo Real Estate  Training & Auctions, explains, it can also become a barrier to progress. While continuous  improvement is important, waiting for the perfect moment, process, or strategy can lead to missed opportunities and lost momentum. 

Failure is a Reference Point, Not a Setback 

One of the most valuable lessons in real estate is that failure is not the opposite of success— it’s part of it. Every mistake, misstep, or missed opportunity serves as a reference point that can  help refine your skills. 

A deal that falls through, a buyer call that doesn’t go as planned, or a listing appointment that  doesn’t convert—these are all lessons. Each experience gives you something to take into your  next meeting, next prospecting session, next auction, and next negotiation. 

Rather than fearing failure, embrace it as feedback. The agents who grow the fastest are the  ones who adjust quickly, learn from their experiences, and apply those lessons without  hesitation. 

Don’t Let Perfection Stop You From Getting Started 

One of the biggest mistakes agents make is waiting until everything is perfect before they take  action. 

Perfection is an illusion. There will always be something you could do better—whether it’s  improving your scripts, refining your negotiation skills, or mastering your listing presentations.  But if you hold off until you feel 100% ready, you’ll leave too many opportunities on the table. 

The key is to just start. Whether it’s prospecting, creating video content, launching a marketing  campaign, or reaching out to buyers and sellers—take action now, and refine as you go. 

Adrian uses the phrase "just press record as a metaphor"—meaning that rather than waiting for  the perfect plan, take the first step and let the process evolve naturally. 

The Opportunity Cost of Waiting 

Every moment spent waiting for perfection is a moment lost. 

• Agents who hesitate to start prospecting miss out on listings. 
• Agents who wait for the perfect script delay valuable conversations with buyers and sellers. 
• Agents who hold off on marketing themselves online lose visibility to those who act  faster. 

In real estate, time is money, and opportunity cost is very real. The longer you wait, the more  market share you give to someone else who is willing to take action today.

The Formula for Growth: Start, Fail, Learn, Improve 

The most successful agents don’t wait for perfection—they refine as they go. 

• Start before you feel ready. Take the first step, whether that’s picking up the phone, posting your first video, or door-knocking a street. 
• Fail early and fail fast. Every mistake is a reference point that moves you closer to success. 
• Learn from every experience. Adapt your approach with each conversation, listing, and negotiation. 
• Improve continuously. Seek perfection, but don’t let the pursuit of it slow you down. 

Perfection should never stand in the way of progress. Real estate is an industry that rewards  action, adaptability, and persistence. The sooner you start, the sooner you gain the experience  needed to refine your skills and improve. 

Instead of aiming for perfection before you begin, embrace the idea that every step forward— successful or not—is a step toward mastery. 

By Adrian Bo, CEO of Adrian Bo Real Estate Training & Auctions.

More Adrian Bo readings 

Handling Buyer Objections: How to stay firm on price while maintaining trust | The Real Estate Conversation

The Truth About Being a Standalone Agent in Real Estate | The Real Estate Conversation

How Putting People First Builds Reputation and Success | The Real Estate Conversation