Aaron Hendon on Mindfulness and Real Estate Performance

Written by:

Steve Marcinuk

Date:

11 Mar 2025

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“What if I just didn’t worry? What if I had some control over my focus? What if I could actually put my attention where I wanted it rather than have it run me?” — Aaron Hendon, reflecting on his journey to mindfulness in real estate

In a real estate profession often defined by “hustle culture” and morning routines that start at 4 AM, a different approach is gaining traction among forward-thinking professionals. Aaron Hendon, managing broker with Christine & Company, has discovered that the path to exceptional performance might not be through grinding harder—but through being more present.

Beyond the Lamborghini Lifestyle

The real estate industry is no stranger to motivational content featuring luxury cars and declarations that “if you’re not going to double your business, get the f*** out of here.” But Hendon’s approach stands in stark contrast to this mentality.

“I’m not so interested in what you’re doing,” Hendon explains. “What you’re doing matters, but who you’re being when you’re doing it matters more.”

This philosophy led Hendon to introduce a structured mindfulness meditation program called “How to Live a Grateful Life in a F***ed Up World” to his team in January 2025. The results were striking.

“In that seven weeks, comparing January and February 2025 to January and February 2024, just year over year in a market that increased in units sold by 8%, the team generated 225% more sales,” Hendon reports.

From Anxiety to Purpose

Hendon’s personal journey to mindfulness began early—he was introduced to transcendental meditation at age 20—but it wasn’t until a more recent revelation that he fully embraced its professional applications.

“I was at a retreat with my wife… I had five deals in escrow, and I got two healthy, happy kids and everything is… it just couldn’t be better, except I noticed I was really worried, like upset, anxious,” Hendon recalls. “It occurred to me in the moment, ‘Wow, I’ve been playing the wrong game. I’ve been playing a game called get enough stuff so I have nothing to worry about.‘”

This realization shifted his perspective on what drives sustainable performance and fulfillment in real estate.

Finding Your Calling in Real Estate

For Hendon, real estate is more than transactions—it’s an extension of his larger purpose. “My calling is that people experience their agency in life,” he says. “If you don’t have a purpose in life, if you don’t know what your purpose is, then you’re just wandering around doing what you do.”

This philosophy extends to how he builds his team, focusing not just on sales metrics but on alignment with purpose.

“I want to work with people that are up to something that matters to them, that at the end of their days, they know, ‘Wow, that made a difference for people,'” Hendon explains. “I just don’t have the time in my life to talk to people that aren’t up to something.”

The Misconceptions About Mindfulness in Real Estate

Despite growing adoption in tech-forward environments and some corners of the corporate world, mindfulness seems to face resistance in real estate circles. Hendon identifies several misconceptions:

“It’s hard. You gotta empty your mind. You gotta sit on the floor,” he lists as common objections. “And then you’re also doing battle with the Instagram, Lamborghini, hustle harder, ice baths crowd.”

Many agents try meditation independently but struggle to establish a consistent practice without proper guidance. “I think having a teacher matters. I think having someone to get it started for you correctly matters,” Hendon advises.

The Worry About Losing Your Edge

A common concern among high-performing agents is that embracing mindfulness might diminish their competitive drive. Hendon acknowledges this worry but challenges its premise.

“You’re not going to hustle and grind your way to whatever it is your purpose is, but I think if you actually are connected to a purpose… you would be acting from a place of ‘this purpose inspires me,‘” he explains.

The question becomes: “You could live your life edgy, or you could live your life fulfilling a purpose, and either way, we all wind up in a hole in the ground,” Hendon reflects. “What you need your edge for is to do that sh** that you don’t really want to do anyway.”

The Science Behind Mindfulness in Performance

Hendon’s approach isn’t just philosophical—it’s backed by research. “The science is clear, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, doesn’t matter where you go. Mindfulness trains the brain,” he notes. “Your physiology changes in a way that has you be more present, more relaxed and comfortable.”

This shift in physiological state creates the conditions for what performance psychologists call “flow”—a state of optimal performance where actions feel effortless and time seems to slow down.

“We’re going to go from hustle to flow,” Hendon explains. “And you can’t get into flow state by trying to get into flow state. You get into flow state by being present.”

Bringing Mindfulness to Your Practice

For agents interested in exploring mindfulness, Hendon offers free resources through his website, TheRealtorsEdge.com. “The training I do is always free, free for anyone, not just my team,” he notes. “The workbook is free, and I’ve designed the workbook so you could do it and get the value without being in the live cohort.”

The practice itself is surprisingly accessible: “It’s really simple. I mean, it couldn’t be simpler… it’s like 10 minutes a day,” Hendon says. Those ten minutes might just be what separates sustainable success from burnout in today’s competitive real estate market.