We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Caroline Waterwall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Caroline below.
Caroline, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Having confidence and self-esteem isn’t something, I believe, that you just have. It is a journey shaped by experiences and influences in our lives with a compounding effect over time.
Personally, my confidence really took hold when I started my fitnesss journey and committed to compete in bodybuilding comps. Looking back at my journey, I see that growth can start small. It can begin with merely stepping into a gym and not know what the heck you are doing. Uh – Squat rack. Whoa. Yet, you do it anyway and you learn. Each day seems more and more normal. Each day you expand and grow. Each day seems less scary and you learn to welcome the new. 10 pounds becomes 25 pounds. Your mind tells you that is your limit but you try for 30. There comes a day when 30 pounds is your new warm-up. Often, our minds underestimate what we can achieve. By challenging these self-imposed limits and accomplishing more than expected, we build confidence in our abilities and resilience in the face of obstacles.
My personal experiences, specifically as a Realtor, have greatly impacted my confidence. Every encounter and interaction brings new challenges and insights. Each transaction and experience is unique, providing opportunities to adapt, learn, and grow both personally and professionally. I don’t win them all, and each failure offers valuable lessons that contribute to personal growth. By embracing these lessons, I can cultivate resilience and wisdom, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for learning and improvement. Continuous learning expands my knowledge base and skill set, enhancing confidence in my abilities. The more I know, the better equipped I am to tackle challenges and seize opportunities. These elements collectively contribute to my personal growth, resilience, and the belief in my capabilities to navigate life’s complexities with confidence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a dedicated real estate professional helping families achieve their dreams since 2017 and have worn many hats since I began my real estate business. I began as a contract-to-close coordinator and executive assistant to my then-broker of record. My training came first hand and I saw the dealings of Real Estate on a day-to-day basis. I have years of Property Management experience and have managed 75+ single-family homes in the Austin area. I have since sharpened my skills as an Accredited Buyer’s Representative and Real Estate Negotiation Expert.
On a personal note, I grew up in Sugar Land, Texas. I had a short hiatus from Texas when the military relocated my family to North Dakota where I spent four years devoted to social services. I opened my home and heart to foster children during this time and found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. I hope to continue this journey in the future but I currently support the needs of Austin’s youth by advocating as a Guardian ad Litem with CASA of Travis County. In 2016, I moved to Austin, Texas to be closer to my family and fell in love with the city’s many offerings that complement my active lifestyle. Along with my passion for real estate, I am highly dedicated to health and fitness. You can often find me at the gym or outdoors walking the Ann and Roy Butler trails around Lady Bird Lake. My newest life adventure is being a wife and mother to my son and 2 bonus kiddos.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Being Your True Self: It’s super important to be authentic because it helps you build trust and real connections with others. When you’re true to yourself, people find it easier to relate to you, and you’re more likely to find fulfillment and success that match your personal values and goals. Being authentic also creates a positive atmosphere where others feel inspired to be themselves.
Showing Up, No Matter What: Consistency and reliability are key for long-term success. Even when it’s tough, showing up shows your commitment and strength. It helps build trust and shows that you’re dedicated to your responsibilities and goals, which can lead to opportunities and growth that wouldn’t be possible if you only participated when it was convenient.
Never Stop Learning: Lifelong learning is vital for staying relevant and adaptable. By constantly seeking new knowledge and skills, you stay ahead of the game, improve your expertise, and stay open to new perspectives. This proactive approach can lead to personal and professional growth, helping you to innovate and solve problems more effectively.
By following these principles, you can achieve amazing and lasting success. They foster a growth mindset, enhance personal development, and build strong relationships, all of which are crucial for reaching meaningful and lasting achievements.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Wow. Where do I begin? Drive, dedication, compassion, and understanding. I had humble beginnings, but I felt rich in love growing up. My parents worked multiple jobs to keep the lights on and the fridge full, yet I don’t remember them ever complaining or feeling stressed. What I do know from their daily actions and examples is dedication; to never give up. I learned to put in the effort and to show up with a heart full of love and determination.
THE most impactful thing my parents did? Gave me my siblings. It has shaped my perspective, outlook, and even my sense of humor. The support of my siblings, especially being the youngest, has provided me with a safety net during failures. This environment fosters resilience and teaches valuable lessons in perseverance and the importance of learning from setbacks. Not to mention catching me when I fell… multiple times. They support me when I am at my lowest and applaud me for my successes. Through every stage, they show me love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.schroederandcorealestate.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrealty.atx/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-waterwall-847232181/
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