THE POWER OF BEING A BEGINNER

WELCOME

Hey y’all, welcome to this week’s newsletter!

If I seem to have some extra pep in my step, that’s because I have been dancing up a storm as I prep for the 2026 Dancing Stars of Atlanta! I could not be more excited to learn something new, especially when it’s for such a worthy cause.

Now, this competition brings us to our topic this week. Nothing will remind you of the power of being a beginner faster than trying to master a cha-cha, believe me. But stepping into something brand new has been a gift because it’s reignited such a spark that it’s spilling over into every aspect of my life. Between learning to dance and the new Taylor Swift album, this promises to be an epic week! So put on your dancing shoes and let’s hit the floor!

STORYTIME WITH GLENNDA

Beginning to Begin

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a beginner again. Because I’ve been in real estate since Jesus was a baby, I understand how easy it is to fall into routine. We all know how to price a listing, how to write a contract, how to negotiate the tough deals, right? That all becomes second nature to the point where it can make us jaded. When everything becomes automatic, sometimes the excitement fades, too.That’s why stepping outside your comfort zone can be the best thing y’all can ever do for your business and your spirit. 

For me, that moment of feeling brand new came when I signed up for Dancing Stars of Atlanta to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association! Walking into that first rehearsal, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. I mean, I didn’t know the choreography, I didn’t know how I’d look next to a professional dancer. (Although, full disclosure? Having two former husbands from South America gave me a bit of familiarity with a few steps.) But my point is that I decided to walk in with an open heart, ready to learn. And you know what? That feeling of being brand new at something lit a fire in me that I didn’t even realize I’d been missing.

When you’re a beginner, everything feels fresh. We all remember that feeling of being curious, of being hungry. Asking questions because we see possibilities everywhere. It’s that first day of school or camp feeling that was pretty common when we were kids. And somewhere along the way, whether it’s after years of being in the business or just being a grown-up, we tend to lose a little bit of that wonder. We start thinking we’ve seen it all, done it all, and there’s nothing new to learn. That’s when complacency creeps in.

Here’s the truth: the agents who keep winning are the ones who never stop being curious. They stay open to new ideas, new tools, and new ways of doing business. They show up to every deal like it’s their first big opportunity. That’s how we stay excited, and we keep on our toes.

I see it all the time in our industry. You’ll hear someone say, “Puh-leeze, I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I don’t need a website. I don’t need social media. I don’t need to learn AI.” And I think to myself, You’re making yourself extinct without even realizing it. Remember, the beginner is hungry. The beginner asks questions. The beginner sees opportunity where the veteran sees the same ol’ routine. There’s so much power in adopting a beginner’s mindset.

When we approach our business with that mindset, we open ourselves up to growth. We become more coachable, and we stop worrying about being perfect, instead focusing on progress. And when things get tough—because they always do—this gives us the ability to see challenges as part of the journey, not the end of it.

Think about it like flying through turbulence. If you’re on a flight and the pilot doesn’t say a word except to buckle TF up, you’re back there in seat 18B panicking. Often, hitting rough air is so routine to the pilot that they may not recognize that it’s not routine to you. While you’re back there praying to your maker, that pilot is calm as can be in the cockpit, quietly making plans to grab an Auntie Ann’s pretzel when they land. This is because they forget what it’s like to be a beginner at air travel.

However, when the pilot comes on and tells you exactly what to expect, suddenly you can relax, maybe thinking about your own pretzel order. You may still bounce around, but you understand it’s part of the trip. Real estate is the same way. There will always be bumps, but that’s where your value shines through. Your calm, your clarity, and your confidence are what your clients remember.

Training for the dance competition has also reminded me of the power of trust. My dance partner is the expert. He knows the steps, the timing, the rhythm, just all of it. I had to let go and trust him to lead. In our business, it’s the same. When you surround yourself with great people, including your team, your stager, your lender, and your inspector, you trust them to do what they do best. You don’t have to micromanage every detail. Focus on your lane of genius and let them shine in theirs.

Most importantly, being a beginner again has reminded me that growth only happens when you’re willing to stretch. If you’re never uncomfortable, you’re probably not evolving. The worst thing that happens when you try something new is that you learn something! You get better. And sometimes you even surprise yourself with how much you’re capable of!

So this week, I want you to think about where in your business you can become a beginner again. Maybe it’s finally diving into video content. Maybe it’s taking a class on how to use AI. It could be trying a new script, a new marketing strategy, or a new niche. Whatever it is, I implore y’all: do not shy away from that nervous energy. That’s where the magic lives.

As for me, oh, my stars, I have been leaning into my beginner moment on the dance floor, and it’s brought so much joy and energy into every other part of my life. I hope y’all find your own version of that this week!

Of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t end this by directing y’all to my fundraising page!

GLENNDAISM

Today’s Words of Wisdom

GLENNDA BAKER & ASSOCIATES

Speaking of Beginners…

Oh, my stars and stripes, do I have the cutest home today! I can think of no finer place to begin your homeowner journey, or to live a more simplified life! My listing at 5706 Forest Place in Acworth, GA, is the perfect blend of comfort, space, and convenience. Built in 2015, this stepless ranch makes life easy with one-level living, real wood cabinets, stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The primary suite is spacious with a walk-in closet and oversized bath, and the two extra bedrooms give you flexibility for family, guests, a home office,etc.

Sitting on 1.3 private acres, you’ll have room to breathe while staying close to everything. You’re just minutes from I-75, downtown Acworth, and Woodstock, so shopping, dining, and Lake Allatoona are all right there. Whether you’re buying your first home or ready to simplify, this one has it all: newer construction, a peaceful setting, and true move-in-ready comfort.