One of the things that we often forget is the fact that in business we still need to train. Stephen Covey called it “Sharpening the Saw”, Zig Ziglar was attributed the quote “If you want to earn more, learn more”. Let’s have a look at a group of individuals that earn hundreds or even thousands of times what we all earn. Professional athletes get paid very well because they are the best at what they do. They train, they practice, they continue to learn every day. Even the ones that are at the top of their game still practice. In fact, probably 90 to 95% of a professional athletes time is spent training and only a small portion of time actually competing.
One of the things that often happens is that we become “too busy”, “too successful” or just “too lazy” to learn anymore. As mortgage brokers we have an obligation to ourselves and to our clients to continue to get better. Regardless of how successful you are there is always something you can do to improve, to get better, or perhaps to become more efficient. On the other hand, if you are in fact perfect, then take the time to share your knowledge. Teach someone else how they can improve. You will be surprised at how much you might learn by teaching.
If you truly want to be a professional in this, or any business you need to constantly be learning. What I find interesting is that most people agree with this statement (I mean how could you not), yet very few actually do it. My challenge to you this week is to take a few minutes uninterrupted time and write out what you have done to get better at what you do in the last week, the last month and the last year. Be truthful with yourself and if you agree with the statement that “Becoming better at what I do is important to me” then look back at your list and ask yourself if your list of things that you have done to improve yourself is consistent with the type of professional you want to be. If there are gaps then perhaps you need to look for ways that you can fill those gaps.
As always, if there is anything I can do to assist you please let me know.
