To take the best care of her clients, Lori Abbey of The Abbey Collection Real Estate Group understands that first, she must focus on her own well-being. Lori makes it a priority to constantly grow personally and professionally as well as ensure she stays active and attentive to her overall wellbeing.
“Having a healthy balance is something that is very important to me and is something I’ve spent my entire life focused on,” says Lori. “I believe it is hard to have a strong mind if you do not also have a strong body; they really go hand in hand. I've noticed that when I'm feeling down or overwhelmed, if I go out, walk in nature, and move my body, it restarts my energy.”
For Lori, self-care begins with a morning routine that is refreshing and sustainable. “Every morning, I do what I call pup cups and podcasts. No matter how cold or warm it is, I put the old senior dogs in the back of the car, let their heads hang out the window, and I go through Starbucks and get a pup cup for them,” shares Lori. “I pick a podcast, drive through neighborhoods, look at the mountains and trees, and let the dogs breathe in the fresh air. I start my day on a high note every single morning where I have learned something new and gotten the dogs some fresh air.”
Later in the day, Lori’s go-to activity for being physically active and having mental renewal is getting outside and taking walks. “To me, part of the balance of being the person that I want to be is making sure that I'm giving back in different ways. I have rescued all my dogs, so getting outside is a beautiful lifestyle for them too,” she says. “I enjoy exploring all the different parts of Arvada like Patch Ridge Park, Majestic View Park, and the beautiful hiking trail next to Layden Rock. I also frequent local dog parks, especially West Arvada Dog Park, which I absolutely love because you're sitting right at the base of the foothills, get to look at the mountains, and sometimes watch the sunset and see the changing leaves.”
One of the things Lori has recently started are sessions at Northwest Arvada Fit Body Boot Camp. Having an indoor, climate-controlled option for a workout means that on days when the weather is too harsh to get outside, she always has a place to get in a great workout. “It's a 30-minute class that is offered early in the morning and later in the afternoon, so you can either start or end your day on a great note,” says Lori. “In 30 minutes, they do a full-body workout and you're meeting neighbors in the area, so I love that it is both social and for getting your body moving.”
Lori values having clear goals and maintaining steady focus on what she is working toward. Each year, she sets goals, revisits her mission and purpose, and creates a vision board. “I think setting goals and writing them down is incredibly important. If you write down your goals, you are much more likely to achieve them,” says Lori. “In addition to writing down your goals, it is important to write out your mission, vision, and values - both professionally and personally. There are so many decisions to make in a day that it's almost decision fatigue. If you are aligned with who you are and what you want from your life, however, it becomes easier to decide what things go on the calendar and what things to say no to.”
In Lori’s experience, having personal and professional mission statements that align fuels motivation for progress. “If my mission is to both sell real estate and then use some of the money from that real estate to make the world a better place by saving dogs and serving underserved communities, then I'm more excited about doing real estate because I have a purpose. As I'm helping a client do something that is important to them, I'm also making the money that can serve my mission in life.”
To support her goals and mission, Lori prioritizes finding opportunities for personal and professional development. “I read a ton of books, love to attend workshops, and always try to stay at the top of my game, both mentally and in my field,” Lori explains. “I really enjoy going to retreats, but there are so many different things that you can do. If you have an interest in something, Google it or ask ChatGPT to help you find a class online. There are so many free options on YouTube or with podcasts.” Lori also hosts retreats, teaches self-development workshops, and is in the process of writing a book, The 7 A's: From Chaos to Calm, to share the techniques she has learned to keep life well-balanced.
To connect with Lori and get more information on self-development, cultivating a well-balanced life, or to seek guidance for all things real estate, visit theabbeycollection.com. Also follow Lori on Instagram @mamaabbey and @abbeyacademy.education.
I think setting goals and writing them down is incredibly important. If you write down your goals, you are much more likely to achieve them.