I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting all types of interesting people during my career. As I’ve mentioned in the past, long-term success is not something that just “happens.” It takes hard work and focus, especially in our current housing market and with constant changes in the industry. Adapting to change is no longer optional if you plan to succeed in 2012 and beyond … it’s a requirement. This should be common sense by now for most of you career-minded folks. You must update your systems and business plan to not only comply with regulatory changes and avoid speed bumps, but to also make sure you take advantage of any new opportunities that come your way.
Many of us are succeeding in our mortgage careers and many are failing. The primary factor I see in dividing these results is how each person responds to their new challenges. In other words, how they use the “F” word. Each morning, you wake up before heading to the office you’re filled with either FEAR or FAITH. Do you have negative thoughts and fear about the future of your career or do you have unrelenting optimism and faith that you’ll succeed in this new world of opportunities? Always remember that if you strive to be successful in this industry, you must work hard and have faith. There is no doubt that we have challenges in our industry, but when fearful thoughts enter your mind, you must eliminate them. Having faith will slowly uncover the hidden opportunities behind any challenges you face.
Yesterday is gone and it’s not coming back. If something happened in the past that caused you concern or distress, just remember that it no longer exists unless you voluntarily hold onto it. Focus on the present and future with confidence. Uncertainty about the future is a burden you were not created to carry. Only the big man upstairs is built for that burden. Preparing for the future of your career is important as long it’s driven by faith and without a doubt. Concerns or fears about the future will do nothing but create anxiety and negative thoughts, holding you in a self-constructed prison.
It’s not easy to block out fearful thoughts or doubts, but always remember, worrying is worthless. Your success relies on your decision to live by faith over fear. Challenge yourself each day to see the opportunity behind any obstacle. Take time each day to reflect on the positive things in your life since the negative things tend to stand out on their own. Help others do the same during these challenging economic times. Just remember … your thoughts are already shaping your future, whether you are aware of it or not. I don’t know about you, but I’ll put my money on FAITH.
Tip of the month ...
Find a calendar that fits your style. Obviously it’s important that we keep an organized schedule of our personal and business appointments, but the way you remember your appointments is key. Some like having a schedule they can physically carry and manually write-in, while others might like an electronic calendar via Outlook or on their mobile device. Whatever you choose to use, set alerts so that you don’t forget your appointments and meetings!
Andy W. Harris, CRMS is president and owner of Lake Oswego, Ore.-based Vantage Mortgage Group Inc. and 2010-2011 president of the Oregon Association of Mortgage Professionals. He may be reached by phone at (877) 496-0431 or e-mail
[email protected] or visit AndyHarrisMortgage.com.
