Find Your Purpose, Ignite Your Passion

Overcome the ‘passion gap’ to stand out

Insider

Contributing Writer

“Purpose is the reason you journey. Passion is the fire that lights the way.” ~ Anonymous

I have loved this quote recently because it really makes me think. What am I doing and, most importantly, why am I doing it?

In this business, you may feel like a mere order taker for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. But while that may get you by, it’s not going to feel very fulfilling. It’s hard to wake up every morning excited for the work that lies ahead of you, but taking the time to reflect on your purpose in this industry — and the passion that got you here in the first place — not only helps you make progress professionally, but helps you better serve your borrowers.

Passion and Purpose

According to Deloitte, America’s workforce has a “passion gap.” Less than 12.3 percent of America’s workforce possesses the attributes of worker passion: questing, connecting, and commitment. Deloitte’s study states, “each of these attributes leads to behaviors that drive sustained performance improvement and help people integrate knowledge from professional networks and lessons from difficult challenges into a disciplined commitment toward making an increasing longer-term impact.” The more passionate workers are, the more they realize their own potential and contribute to the success of their company.

It’s no surprise America’s workforce is feeling this gap in passion. Some workers have been in the same position for a long time and are feeling tired or bored, while others are still struggling to keep up with rapid post-pandemic change. Because of this, Forbes has reported that many workers feel their burnout is even worse than during the pandemic.

In the mortgage industry especially, with its cyclical nature, it can be challenging to feel passionate about your work despite all the ups and downs. However, I am here to remind you of why you should be passionate about the work you do.

In the mortgage industry especially, with its cyclical nature, it can be challenging to feel passionate about your work despite all the ups and downs.

What You Do Matters

Simply put, this job matters. In the mortgage industry, we are part of the biggest financial decision most people will make in their lives. It’s more than just selling a product — you are playing a part in what often alters the course of a household’s financial future.

Homeownership is a key way to build generational wealth. And the difference it makes is significant. NAR reported that homeowners’ wealth is 40 times higher than that of renters. Especially now, as buyers are spending more of their income on homes than ever, we play a critical role in getting them into the right home on the right terms.

If you’ve found yourself losing your passion, take the opportunity to remember the part you can play in the trajectory of someone’s financial future. Your purpose as a mortgage professional is to help borrowers achieve the dream of homeownership, and the difference you help make in your borrowers’ lives is worthy of your passion.

Less than 12.3 percent of America’s workforce possesses the attributes of worker passion: questing, connecting, and commitment.

How to Truly Help

Because your job has a significant impact on borrowers’ financial situations, it’s important to do everything you can to set them up for success. Your purpose is more than taking an application and pushing borrowers along to close.

There are many opportunities during the homebuying process where you can help empower borrowers to be better homeowners. Invest in borrower education to help them make the best financial decisions for their situation. To go above and beyond, provide them with homeowner resources to help them understand how to take care of their purchase, build equity and get the most out of their investment.

Your purpose is important — and your passion leads the way. Passion fuels enthusiasm and, as Henry Banks said, “a salesman minus enthusiasm is just another clerk.” Remember the impact of your work, and you’ll be positioned to help borrowers and be the best resource you can be.