Week 10 – Two Inspections, One Brain, Zero Chill

The week I got busy… and instantly overwhelmed:

This was the first time I had two inspections in one day. On paper? A milestone. In practice? Chaos. Between checking my software, prepping the reports, making sure I had enough charged batteries and business cards—I felt like I was in an obstacle course wearing lead boots.

Then, mid-inspection, my phone rang. I picked it up thinking it was a spam call, but nope—it was a client calling to confirm an inspection I apparently booked… for tomorrow. WHAT?! I nodded calmly to the current buyer while silently screaming on the inside. It’s happening. This thing is growing. And I need to catch up—fast.

The early signs of burnout (and how I’m catching them):

I was starting to feel that edge—you know the one. The brain fog. The skipped meals. The “where did I put my flashlight again” moments. I could feel myself reacting to the day instead of directing it. The adrenaline rush of a full calendar quickly gave way to anxiety about not dropping the ball.

What used to be exciting (“OMG a client!”) started feeling like pressure. Not because I didn’t want the work—but because I hadn’t built the systems to handle it yet. And I’m learning that growth without systems feels like driving fast on a bumpy road.

The moment I realized I need to level up my time game:

After my second inspection, I parked in a gas station lot and just stared at my calendar. I had notes in three places, reminders coming from two apps, and no real system for intake, prep, or follow-up. That’s not sustainable. I realized I wasn’t tired because of the work—I was tired because of the friction.

So I blocked off an hour the next day (yes, I scheduled it) just to map out my workflow: pre-inspection checklist, day-of game plan, post-inspection email template, and CRM tracking. It's not perfect yet, but it’s already helping.

What saved me from drowning this week:

The checklist. Seriously. I made one for supplies, one for site flow, and one for what to do before leaving a property. I stuck them in my tablet case. Without those, I would’ve missed photos, forgotten to reset a breaker, or left behind my own flashlight (again).

Also, texting Curt in a mild panic. His response? “This is the part where most people quit—or systematize. You’re at that fork. Choose wisely.” Classic Curt: simple, clear, and kind of haunting in the best way.

What I’m working on next: rhythm and recovery

Next week, I want to build more breathing room between inspections, even if that means saying “no” to squeeze-ins. I also want to set fixed times for follow-up, client calls, and admin. Right now, everything’s mashed together. It needs structure—or I’m going to burn out by Week 12.

What I’ll keep doing (and do even better):

Blocking time for planning. It sounds small, but 30 minutes of proactive thinking saves me hours of scrambling. I’m learning that being busy isn’t the same as being productive. And that clarity beats hustle every single time.

→ Next: Week 11: Building My Realtor Relationships One Coffee at a Time

← Want to see what my first client thought of me? Week 9: My First Review — I Checked Google 15 Times That Day

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