The 3 Principles To Stay Grounded in Real Estate

By Mark Dietel

Mark is a lifelong resident of Indianapolis’ Southside with over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate. This gives him a level of market expertise that indirectly creates a competitive advantage in leading the Mark Dietel Realty team

You don’t have to be in real estate long to realize one truth: this business will test your mindset. Recently, I was talking with my 91-year-old mother and realized that I’ve now been in real estate longer than I was in our family’s grocery business. That conversation prompted me to reflect on how I’ve remained motivated during seasons of challenge and change. After more than a decade in residential real estate, I’ve found three principles that guide me: mindset, growth, and gratitude.

Here’s what each principle means and what you need to do to uphold them:

1. Take action when challenges come. Real estate can be tough. It’s competitive, unpredictable, and can weigh on your confidence. I was reminded of this during a conversation with a top-producing agent last week, where we both agreed that people rarely discuss how challenging this business really is. My approach is simple: when you start to feel stuck or discouraged, take action. You can’t always control your emotions, but you can control your effort. I’ve told my five adult children for years that right actions lead to right feelings. It works in business, too. Even small steps forward help shift your mindset and rebuild momentum.

2. Compete, grow, and welcome feedback. Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through curiosity, humility, and a willingness to compete. An accounting professor once told me, “Treat the classroom like a competition, you’re there to win.” That lesson stuck with me. Real estate is no different. You must continue to improve, learn, and seek feedback, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you commit to welcoming feedback for the rest of your life, you’ll keep getting better, not just in business but as a person.

3. Be thankful every day. I’m a man of faith, and gratitude is central to how I start my mornings. Every day begins with quiet time, reading, prayer, and reflection. My wife and I now have 11 grandchildren, and they remind me daily of how much we have to be thankful for. That sense of gratitude fuels everything I do. Whether it’s time in prayer or time spent learning through podcasts and audiobooks, staying thankful keeps you grounded.

Professionally, I nourish my mind with audiobooks and podcasts dedicated to learning and personal growth. This habit isn’t just about tactics; it’s about developing the person behind the business. Whenever you’re questioning things or feeling down, take a moment to count what you’re thankful for. It shifts your focus from your problems to your blessings and reenergizes your purpose.

Those three principles have carried me through every season in real estate, and they’ll do the same for anyone willing to apply them. If you’d like to discuss mindset, motivation, or growth in this business, I’m happy to connect. You can reach me at any time at 317 441-7887, or email mark.dietel@markdietel.com. This career doesn’t have to be a painful grind. The challenging moments are your chance to build resilience and get ahead.