Who’s in charge here?


Rigorous habits for a successful life

Seneca said, “The body should be treated more rigorously that it may not be disobedient to the mind.”

As I get older that’s definitely my mission so I can hopefully be here for my wife, children, and grandchildren for many years to come.  Is our mind in charge of our body, our actions, and how we interact with others? What about how we work? How we work in a challenging market will be determined by the habits we’ve formed when things were good.

As salespeople and reverse mortgage professionals it’s easy to coast when we have a full pipeline and loans are funding. The danger of coasting is we lose the muscle memory of good disciplined sales habits that will bear us through the tough times.

Speaking of muscle memory, how many outbound sales calls do you make in a day, a week, or month? Are you time-blocking your sales activities? Are you capturing all of your potential borrower’s information in a CRM, like Reverse Focus’ Sales Engine, so you can capture, nurture and close more loans?

The good news is if we develop good habits and practices in hard times we will be stronger. Your hardships will build confidence because you’ve been there and done that. Then you’ll know who’s in charge.

Keep the faith, embrace the reality of a changing market, and work like you’re the third lion trying to get on the Ark.

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The art of Cognitive Distancing


The skill of cognitive distancing is crucial in times of chaos and uncertainty.

Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat

blood toil tears and sweat Winston Churchill motivation


Lessons from an old Bulldog

“Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat”

That’s what Winston Churchill told those who joined his new government that he had to offer. At that time the British Empire faced what appeared to be an imminent invasion by German’s Third Reich. In his first speech as Prime Minister before the house of Command on 13 May 1940, he added, “You ask what is our aim? I can answer in one word: Victory. Victory at all costs. Victory in spite of all terror. Victory however long and hard the road may be. For without victory there is no survival.”

While we presently do not face an imminent invasion of our mainland, we do face the perils of uncertain and tumultuous times. Yet we’ve faced them before and prevailed. Churchill knew this. In fact, he had the strange knack of being able to share the direst news while simultaneously building the confidence, courage, and resolve of his listeners. 

What do your words inspire? Can you share the harsh facts of what is happening in the world at large or our industry while inspiring your audience to dig in harder and resolve to fight?

“This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

Like each of us, Sir Winston Churchill had his share of shortcomings. But also like you, he had his heroic moments. Perhaps more than average. Nonetheless, our minds and souls are nourished by his words, his resolve, and outright stubbornness in the face of what appeared to be insurmountable odds.

Perhaps an old bulldog can teach us a few tricks. In times such as these stubbornness and resolve are not only admirable but indispensable. 

Your 1-minute mental tune-up


A 1-minute mental boost

Soak in these quotes to boost your mental attitude and outlook quickly.