Serious or Silly? How to Protect Your Energy (and Sanity) in Property Management
“Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest.”
— Hermann Hesse
If you’ve spent more than five minutes in property management, you know this truth firsthand: some things are mission-critical… and some things are just plain ridiculous.
One of the greatest skills you can develop as a multifamily professional is the ability to discern the difference. Because let’s face it: not everything is worth the stress.
What to Take Seriously
There are a few things that absolutely deserve your full attention and care—no questions asked:
Fair housing and compliance – These aren’t just rules, they’re the foundation of ethical, equitable housing.
Resident safety – Whether it’s fixing a broken stair rail or addressing community-wide concerns, this is priority #1.
Your energy and well-being – Burnout doesn’t help anyone—not your team, your residents, or you.
How you treat people – Professionalism, kindness, and clarity go a long way in building trust and respect.
These areas require consistency, care, and sometimes a whole lot of patience. But they’re always worth it.
What You Can (and Should) Laugh About
Now let’s talk about the other stuff—the moments that make you do a double take and think, Did that really just happen?
That one resident’s conspiracy theory about the mailroom
The neighborhood squirrels who stole Halloween candy off the front porch
A work order that reads: “Just make it stop.” (No details. No context.)
A Monday that somehow felt like three full days rolled into one
These moments? They’re your invitation to laugh. To let go. To find the humor in the chaos and keep moving.
Why It Matters
When you know what to take seriously—and what to laugh about—you protect your peace.
It helps you:
Lead with more clarity and compassion
Build stronger relationships with your team and residents
Prevent burnout and decision fatigue
Create space for joy in the middle of daily stress
Letting go of the little things doesn’t mean you’re not doing your job. It means you’re doing it sustainably.
Your Energy Is a Leadership Tool
If you’re constantly running on fumes, it’s time to reset. Your energy isn't just about personal wellness—it’s also your leadership superpower. When you show up fully charged, everyone around you benefits.
That’s why I created the Energy & Engagement Mini Course—a free, simple tool designed just for multifamily managers who want to:
Stress less
Laugh more
Lead better
You don’t have to do it all—and you definitely don’t have to do it alone.
👉 Grab the free mini course here.
Final Thought
The secret to longevity in property management?
Protect your energy. Laugh often. Lead well.
Because when you stop giving your energy to the wrong things, you have so much more to give to what really matters.
