Start the New Year with a plan: Time for a long-term strategy Dave Hershmanpriorities, resolutions, motivation, sales leads, business enhancement, career goals
So, how do you make resolutions for the New Year when we are in
the midst of such a challenging economic environment? Should we
just make the usual commitments that are abandoned by President's
Day? Or perhaps we should take a long-term view at the present
time.
First, we should begin by deciding what is important to us.
Day-by-day, we seem to get lost in the challenges of daily life. It
is hard to think of the long-term when we are stuck in traffic and
cannot get to our next appointment. It is hard to think of saving
for retirement when we are trying to make the next mortgage
payment. Isn't this an opportune time to ask at what juncture we
will address the significant things in life? So what is
important?
Health
There is nothing more important than one's health. Today, medical
advances have made a longer life possible for the average citizen.
For those who do not take advantage of todays advanced medical
techniques and knowledge, a longer and healthier life is not
assured. What can you do to be healthier? The rules are easy: Stop
smoking, exercise regularly, eat sensibly and see your doctor on a
regular basis. As easy as these rules are, how many make
resolutions each year based on these things and never follow
through on them?
Lower stress levels
Doesn't it seem as though each year we have more and more
time-saving devices, yet less time? More significantly, each device
which allows us to be in constant contact with the business
worldfrom cell phones to wireless modemsmakes it harder and harder
for us to just "get away from it all." Many of us return from long
weekends without piles of phone messages. That is the good news.
The bad news is that we are answering e-mails while we are away and
supposed to be relaxing.
So how do we reduce stress? Take some time every day to refresh
and recharge our batteries. It does not have to be hours, it can be
minutes. Clear away the thousands of thoughts and just think about
being relaxed. Get a massage. And here is the good news: Less
stress means a healthier life!
Move toward financial security
Want less stress in your life? Have a financial plan which is
helping you move toward your long-term financial goals. It is never
too late to begin a savings plan. Take advantage of your company's
401K program. If you have children, are you putting money away for
their college education? If you have an investment portfolio, is it
being reviewed for long-term objectives, such as diversification
and protection against inflation?
Make your career more rewarding
Before you determine your annual goals, determine what will make
you a success in your eyes. Is it earning enough income to provide
a secure future for your family? Is it advancing within your
company? Is it starting your own company and being your own boss?
Nothing is more stressful than working hard every year and feeling
that you never get ahead. First, you must determine what getting
ahead means to you. Then, you must take the steps necessary which
move you in the right direction. Perhaps it is adding skills such
as computer programming. Or perhaps it is additional sales
training.
There is no better time than now to make progress toward
determining long-term strategies. If you did not spend some time
during the holiday season, sequester yourself away and think about
what your long-term strategies should be. Though we have made a few
suggestions in our first edition of the New Year, you may have
other ideas. Your strategies must be your own. Though input from
family, friends and even employers may help guide you, this is a
road you will travel by yourself. I hope to help guide you with
thought provoking articles throughout the year.
Dave Hershman is a top speaker and leading author in the
mortgage industry with seven booksincluding two best sellers for
the Mortgage Bankers
Association. He also delivers his targeted "Joint
Venture/In-House Loan Officer Training" for the industry. For more
information, call (800) 581-5678 or e-mail
[email protected].
