The Seven Deadly Words

As the year draws to a close, the smart mortgage professional is already beginning to work on their business plan for 2013. I want to take a short break from my regular series to share seven deadly words or phrases that can poison your success in 2013. These words seem so harmless, but even a small dose of any one of them can kill your business success.
1. “It’s impossible.” You may have been challenged by your manager, your business coach, or even your spouse to set bigger goals for your business. Do you set small goals because you think that achieving a BHAG—the Big Hairy Audacious Goal—is impossible? Those two words alone can poison your success in 2013. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right!” You must think possibility thoughts.
2. “It’s Not My Fault.” Your success or failure is your choice. You can play the blame game, but ultimately you will always lose. One of the first steps that will lead you to success is when you take responsibility for where you are right now. Your past choices have resulted in where you are today. If you want a different tomorrow, make smart choices today. Your future success lies within you and the decisions you make today.
3.  “When…” Have you ever uttered that word as an excuse for not doing what you know needs to done right now? “When I get an assistant, I’ll start a marketing campaign.” “When I lose 10 pounds, I’ll go to more networking events.” “When I get caught up, I’ll start saving money.”
Stop procrastinating and begin making plans to achieve success in 2013—not in some future “when.”
4. “Someday.” Very similar to “when,” this word is like a drug which can lull you into a slumber that can last for decades. You suddenly wake and you are 10 years older, and none of your goals have been accomplished. It’s good to have a bucket list of things you want to do someday, but not when your “today list” is totally empty.
Someday can make you feel better temporary because you deceive yourself by declaring all of the accomplishments you will have…someday. Write out specific goals you will accomplish and set deadlines.
5. “I wish.” You have to stop wishing and start working. Maybe you look wistfully at the numbers of top producers and wish for more production and greater income. But wishing won’t make it happen. Work will make it happen. Just do the work.
6. “I don’t have the time.” The truth is this—Everyone has the same 24 hours in one day. When you look at someone else and wonder how he or she accomplishes so much, do you think they have more time than you? They don’t. It is about setting priorities and planning your day. Start small but start today. Whether it is making more sales calls, scheduling appointments with real estate agents, or setting aside time to plan working your database, you must set priorities for what you plan to achieve in your business and then keep those priorities.
7. “Not now.” If not now, then when? This could be the year that everything changes for you. But you have to think in terms of “now.” Do it now—not later. Do it now—not next year. Do it now—because now is all any of us have.
Here’s to your success in 2013