It may seem like top producers have it made, but being at the top has its challenges. Here’s what some of the people on our Real Data lists have to say about the difficulties of being on such lists, how to stay there, and their regrets and successes during their journey.

“The hardest part about becoming and staying a top producer is that you never feel that you can slow down. In my mind, I can never do less than the year before. I always have to strive to do better and improve, and with that, I put this constant pressure on myself and my team to increase everything that we are doing.” Melanie Giglio-Vakos, founder and president of The MVP Team at Compass Chicago, No. 17 in Chicagoland and No. 11 in Cook County

“While I am in tune to the cyclical process that we go through in the market each year, it’s easy to feel that I am behind other agents. And with new-construction markets gaining traction, it’s also easy for an agent listing new construction to bump me out.” Kim Keefe, founder of and listing specialist with Team Open Doors at Keefe Real Estate in Woodstock — No. 6 in McHenry County

“To be the best requires constant availability, immediate responses, immense knowledge, and the sensitivity and patience of a saint. … I wish I had invented a car with a bathroom and stocked refrigerator in it.” Emily Sachs Wong, owner-operator of ESW Luxury at @properties in Lincoln Park — No. 4 in Chicagoland and No. 3 in Cook County