There’s a male fitness coach going viral right now for his 3 AM/4 AM morning routine. Some are calling it unnecessary. Others are calling it performance. Some say, “He’s just doing it for views,” while others are inspired by the discipline. But it made me stop and ask myself: Are these the habits of a high-performing, career-driven adult?


And if not exactly that, then what is?


I ask because once upon a time—back in high school—I was incredibly organized. I had a planner. I would write out my after-school routine by the hour. My mom used to be so impressed with how structured I was. It gave me a sense of control, clarity, and direction.


But somewhere along the way, I drifted. Life got busy. Now, most days I operate off of a mental planner, which sounds functional… until it’s not. I’ll have 12 things floating in my brain and then wonder why I feel mentally exhausted. Lately I’ve been thinking, Is it time to get back to the physical planner? Or even use my digital calendar with alerts to gently nudge me back into rhythm?


What does high-performance look like when you’re not just managing tasks—but managing identities?


For those of you who don’t know, I wear several hats:
• I’m a licensed realtor.
• A licensed independent travel advisor.
• The daughter of a guru book publisher and a guru trucking entrepreneur.
• A big sister. A granddaughter. A mentor. A friend.


I’m proud of all the roles I play. I see myself as someone who can do it all—but lately, I’ve been asking, Can I do it all well? And what does “well” even mean to me now?


Is it meal prepping on Sundays and laying out my outfits for the week?
Is it drinking water, staying moisturized, and scheduling therapy like I schedule meetings?
Is it finding a church home? Saying no more often? Prioritizing a weekly FaceTime with my grandma?


Does “high-performing” have to mean hyper-productive? Or can it mean emotionally available? Spiritually grounded? Physically nourished?


I’ve started building out a weekly to-do list again—nothing fancy, just small, consistent wins. And I have to admit, checking off each item gives me a mini sense of accomplishment. But still, I wonder: Is structure the secret to freedom? Or does too much planning box us in?


Being on the cusp of 30 is such a weird and beautiful space. It feels like a bridge between who I thought I would be and who I still have time to become. I want to use this time wisely—but what does “wise” even look like now? Is it in the hustle? Or is it in the rest?


And so, I ask the question again: What are the habits of high-performing adults?


Is it waking up at 3 AM to train, or is it giving yourself grace when you sleep in?
Is it hitting career goals, or is it calling your siblings back and making space for joy?


I don’t have all the answers—but maybe that’s the point. Maybe the power isn’t in having it all figured out, but in asking the right questions, and building a life that feels aligned with the answers we uncover along the way.
​

Welcome to my new blog series, “Making It in Real Estate.” This series is dedicated to documenting my raw and unfiltered journey as a REALTOR® navigating this unpredictable industry.

To start, let me share a little about where I’m coming from.


I became a licensed REALTOR® in March 2023 and joined Keller Williams to begin my real estate career. Like many new agents, I came in with big dreams and high hopes of helping clients buy, sell, and invest in real estate. However, I quickly realized that the journey isn’t as straightforward as it seems.


During my first year, I struggled—a lot.
    •    I joined a team, hoping to get the mentorship and hands-on coaching I felt I needed.
    •    I ended up leaving the team because it wasn’t the right fit for me.
    •    Despite my determination, I ended my first year without a single sale.​

To be honest, I felt stuck. I knew I had the passion and the drive, but I realized I was missing some key tools—mentorship, structure, and a day-to-day action plan to build my business.

As I approach my second year in real estate, I’ve decided to take a new approach. I want to document my journey—the highs, the lows, and the in-between moments—so that others who may be in the same boat can see they’re not alone.

Today, I had a breakthrough moment.

One of the top-producing agents in my company shared a free resource: a 5-day lead generation workbook. At first, I wasn’t sure how much it would help, but after just ONE day of implementing the steps outlined in the workbook, I successfully found a lead.

This lead wasn’t from my sphere of influence, family, or friends. It was a purely organic lead, and I’m now helping them search for a commercial space. While there’s no guarantee this lead will result in a closed deal, this was a huge win for me. For the first time, I felt like I was on the right path.

What I’ve Learned So Far:
    •    Structure is Key: Having a plan for what to do each day makes all the difference.
    •    Coaching and Mentorship Matter: I’ve learned that I can’t do this alone. Seeking out resources and guidance is essential for growth.
    •    Celebrate Every Win: Whether it’s landing a new lead or taking a step outside your comfort zone, every win is worth celebrating.

I’m entering my second year in real estate with a renewed sense of purpose. My goal is simple: to produce results. This year, I’m committed to learning, growing, and putting in the work to turn my real estate dreams into reality.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or unsure in your journey, I hope you’ll follow along as I share the reality of making it in real estate. My goal is to inspire, educate, and remind you that it’s okay to struggle—as long as you don’t give up.

Let’s make 2025 the year of growth and success—together.


Stay tuned for updates on my journey, tips I’m learning, and insights into what it takes to truly thrive in real estate. If you’re a fellow agent, client, or just someone curious about this industry, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect and support each other in this wild world of real estate.


- Kierra Stevens | REALTOR®
📧: [email protected]
🌐: kierrastevens.kw.com
📲: (773) 917-6211

​

Have y’all ever heard of digital Nomads?
 
The term "digital nomad" originated from the combination of "digital" referring to the use of technology and "nomad" indicating a lifestyle of constant movement and exploration. Digital nomads typically work in fields that allow for remote work, such as freelance writing, web development, graphic design, consulting, digital marketing, and online entrepreneurship. Imagine someone you see on social media constantly traveling, seems their money never runs out and you have no idea what they do.
 
This morning, I asked my TikTok Audience this question:
If you had a lucrative travel business and you could work from anywhere in the world as long as you had Wi-Fi, where would you work from?
 
My personal answer to this is Why limit yourself?
 
As the heir to a successful and lucrative publishing company, Sophisticated Press, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the pioneering spirit and global impact of my mother's visionary work. Early on, she brought me into the fold, allowing me to immerse myself in the inner workings of the publishing industry and witness the unparalleled level of service she provided to clients around the world.

Sophisticated Press isn't just a publishing company—it's a testament to my mother's dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Serving high-level executives and celebrities, most of whom are located far beyond the confines of Chicago, she has truly become a digital nomad in her own right, leveraging technology to transcend geographical boundaries and deliver exceptional results to her discerning clientele.
 
So let me set the stage by saying that everything I learned and everything I do was first seen done by my mother.


Here’s how I am making the digital Nomad Lifestyle work for me As a passionate entrepreneur, I've always believed in the power of freedom and flexibility when it comes to shaping both my career and my lifestyle. Through my real estate business and travel agency, I've found a way to not only sustain myself financially but also to thrive in a lifestyle that allows me to work from anywhere, travel often, and truly enjoy life to the fullest.
 
Real Estate Entrepreneurship: Building Wealth and Creating Opportunities
My journey as a digital nomad began with my real estate business. By leveraging technology and embracing remote work practices, I've been able to manage my real estate investments and transactions from anywhere in the world. Whether I'm scouting properties, negotiating deals, or managing client relationships, the flexibility of my real estate business allows me to stay connected and productive no matter where my travels take me.

Travel Agency Ventures: Curating Experiences and Inspiring Wanderlust
But why stop at real estate when there's a whole world waiting to be explored? That's where my travel agency comes in. Through my agency, I've been able to channel my passion for travel into a thriving business, helping others discover the joys of exploration and adventure. From crafting bespoke itineraries to sharing insider tips and recommendations, my travel agency allows me to inspire wanderlust and create unforgettable experiences for my clients—all while living out my own travel dreams.

Freedom and Flexibility: Embracing the Nomadic Lifestyle
What I love most about being a digital nomad is the freedom and flexibility it affords me. Whether I'm working from a bustling cafe in Barcelona, a serene beach in Bali, or a cozy cabin in the mountains, I have the autonomy to design my ideal workspace and schedule. This level of flexibility not only enhances my productivity and creativity but also allows me to fully immerse myself in the destinations I visit, experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and adventures along the way.

Embracing Life to the Fullest: Balancing Work and Play
But it's not all about work. One of the greatest joys of the digital nomad lifestyle is the ability to prioritize experiences and enjoyment. Whether it's navigating the vibrant souks of Dubai, immersing myself in the bustling night bazaars of New Zealand alongside my best friend Chris, or indulging in the tranquil beauty of California's vineyards with my aunt Kim, each adventure reminds me of life's exquisite richness. By harmonizing my professional pursuits with these enriching experiences, I've crafted a life that resonates with both financial success and profound personal fulfillment.

You can do the same thing as me and break free from the rat race and live your life on your own terms. I want to build a team of likeminded individuals who want to travel abroad far and wide while earning income. Take this short one minute survey and ask your self how being a travel agent can benefit you?
 
I look forward to your answers and I will be in contact soon.