New Year’s Resolution Killers

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Pitfalls to avoid in 2014

Reverse Mortgage News

It’s a word many dislike due to our culture’s abuse of the word. The word resolution comes from the same root as resolve. The American dictionary defines resolve as to ‘decide firmly on a course of action’. If our resolutions for 2014 are truly our committed course of action then here are some things we should avoid to insure we meet our goals and more importantly our internal promise to ourselves.

#1- You don’t really want to achieve it. Make sure your resolutions only include those things you truly desire to come to pass. If it is a goal you think you should reach because others are then you are doomed to fail unless you are personally committed and desire it yourself.

#2 Too vague.

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For more reverse mortgage news, technology & training visit www.ReverseFocus.com

Keys to a Happier 2014

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Practical Ways to Increase Happiness in the New Year

Reverse Mortgage News

A happier 2014. Happiness. That is our wish for you in the coming year. While we cannot control every event that comes our way we can take some practical steps. As we wrap up 2013 here are a few things we can do to have a happier year.

1- Avoid retail therapy. Feeling resetless, unhappy? Shopping is not the answer. New bobbles and gadgets only briefly distract from what is bothering us. Instant gratification is only a temporary fix.

2- Work out more. The more we work out the more endorphins we generate which are natural chemicals leading to feelings of well being and enthusiasm for the rest of the day’s activities.

3- Spiritual foundation. If you have spiritual or religious beliefs don’t neglect them. Remind yourself of what is important. Your guiding principles, outlook and mission in life. Gathering with those who believe like you gives you a sense of belonging and encouragement knowing you are not alone in this life.

4- Volunteer. One wise man told me “want to foget your problems? Work on someone elses”. Getting our focus of ourselves allows us to assist those around us who often have it much worse than we do. A soup kitchen, community cleanup or mentoring children are all great ways to pay it forward and bring some perspective.

5- Embrace friendship. Make the time to spend with friends. Focus your time on laughter and shared interests avoiding negative talk and gossip. Let yourself be fully in the moment and snap a few pictures for keepsakes while you’re at it.

6-Eat better. The most powerful mood altering drug we put in our bodies is food. Be mindful of what types of food make you slump or power you up for the day. Lean proteins and veggies should be a part of each meal.

7- Turn off the television. Break out a book or play a game with your loved ones. If you fast from TV for a few days you may be surprised with the ample amount of time you have to enjoy what’s important, work on projects or reconnect with those who matter most.

8- Find the positive. Despite news or recent developments in our industry be cautious against over-reacting. Look for the silver lining in each situation while planning realistically. 2014 is just around the corner. How we approach it is in your hands. Have a great weekend and thank you from each of us here at Reverse Focus for your continued support. Happy New Year!

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For more reverse mortgage news, technology & training visit www.ReverseFocus.com 

Harsh Truths

Harsh Truths for Increased Success

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Reverse Mortgage News

One of cinema’s most memorable quotes came from the film “A Few Good Men” in which Jack Nicholson’s character retorts “You can’t handle the truth!” In an age where many in society see truth as relative and subjective there are a few truths about life we should embrace for greater happiness and productivity.

1- Life isn’t fair. It seems obvious but our minds often subconsciously trick us asking ‘why is this happening to me?!

2- First steps are always the hardest. Whether it’s a diet, a new marketing plan or parenting making a substantial change requires that first leap of faith…actually just a small step.

3- Good things don’t happen overnight. Think back on any great accomplishment you’ve made. Did it happen instantaneously? No. Great rewards require great commitment and accomplishment and good old hard work.

4- Everyone is not on board. Just because you have a great idea…

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Get more reverse mortgage news, training & technology at www.ReverseFocus.com today.

What Are You Thankful For?

Gratitude Opens Doors

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Reverse Mortgage News

What We Can Be Grateful For In The Reverse Mortgage Industry

Now that we’ve eaten our last bites of Thanksgiving turkey and pumpkin pie it’s a good time to reflect on gratitude. The essence of yesterday’s holiday. But first I want to personally express our gratitude to you, our loyal viewers and members of Reverse Focus. YOU helped what began as a small idea in 2007 grow into an industry resource and backstop for reverse mortgage professionals. It’s our honor to work with each of you through the good and bad years of reverse mortgage lending.   One person near and dear to me said, “Be grateful for something. Always be grateful”. As simple as it sounds this exhortation made me consider my typical state of mind. Am I mindful of what blessings are in my life or do I focus on what I want or lack? We all know of those who are financially wealthy yet live in their own internal prison of want, lack and constantly feeling impoverished.  It boils down to our own internal compass or attitude. So what are a few things we can be thankful for as reverse mortgage professionals? #1- A mission driven industry. Many can claim their mission in their company’s letterhead, but how many can claim they help seniors enjoy their golden years with less worry, lack and want? Having worked in several industries I can say ours is the most mindful of our mission to help than any other I’ve encountered. #2- Untapped potential…

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For more reverse mortgage news & tools please visit www.ReverseFocus.com 

 

The X Factor: Denial

Constructively Exposing Retirement Denial

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Reverse Sales Training News

Denial In Reverse Mortgage Borrowers

Denial. It’s one of our biggest challenges when working with prospective reverse mortgage borrowers. While denial tends to manifest itself more prominently in those who have little financial assets, like the needs-based-borrower, it also applies to more affluent borrowers. Denial creates an alternate reality for needs-based homeowners  with statements like “we’ll be just fine” or “we will find a way to increase our income when we retire”. For more affluent potential borrowers it may appear in the statements “our portfolio will keep growing giving us enough money to live on the rest of our lives.” Denial serves a dual purpose: to avoid discomfort and accountability. No one likes to admit that their previous spending and savings habits have led to a retirement crisis. Savers don’t like to accept the fact their investments may never grow enough to sustain the withdrawals they need each year to maintain their standard of living in retirement. Denial has exacts its price: stress, fear and lack. It stems not so much from logical or  willful choices but from unconscious beliefs and habit patterns. What are our choices

A Little Respect?

Want more respect? 12 ways you can increase respect from others
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reverse mortgage newsThe iconic comedian Rodney Dangerfield said “I don’t get no respect”. Respect. It must be earned with our colleagues, borrowers, friends and family members. Respect must be present to effectively influence others, especially potential reverse mortgage borrowers. Here are a few quick ways you can earn, increase and maintain respect in your relationships. 1. Initiate. Don’t always wait for others to act first. Experiment with being the first to take action or solve the problem yourself. 2. Keep your promises. Politicians have little public respect due to their reputation of making promises they never keep. Only promise that what you can deliver. 3. Stop apologizing. Only apologize with good cause. Make your “I’m sorries” count with others…

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