Discover new ways to improve your body and mind

Gary Opper, president, Approved Financial Corp.

As published in Scotsman Guide's Residential Edition, February 2012.

The mortgage industry may not be in recovery yet, but there are still many reasons for mortgage professionals to have an upbeat and positive attitude. An optimistic outlook on your life and your industry will keep you going during these trying times. You’ll feel better and be a beacon of light to your family, friends and colleagues.

You may feel that you aren’t at your best right now, but there’s a variety of measures that you can take to help motivate and reenergize yourself. Bear a few of the following concepts in mind as you and your business weather the storm.

Positive attitude

Don’t dwell on the past. Instead, try to live in the “here and now.” Think about implementing a new rule in your office:  once employees are through the door, they can’t dwell on how poor the market has become. Any mortgage professional knows exactly what’s happening in the market; however, there’s no sense in getting caught up in negativity. Instead, try to surround yourself with upbeat employees and friends. Pessimism consumes precious time and drains needed energy.

Finding a new hobby can be an excellent way to improve your attitude as well. Do something that pushes your limits. Start writing poetry and challenge yourself to read some of your work at an open-mike night at a local bookstore. Learn to play an instrument and write your own songs. Learn how to paint and then see if you can sell your work at a local art fair. Feel your fear, but pursue new challenges in spite of it.

Undoubtedly, there are plenty of activities in your town or city that will boost your spirits as well. Tour your city’s landmarks or visit its museums, libraries and parks. Attend local film festivals, art festivals or even food festivals. Do anything you can to stay active and upbeat; a vibrant, happy personal life often leads to a happy professional life as well.

Healthy body

Once you’re in the right frame of mind, you should consider making your body match your renewed attitude. Taking vitamins can ensure that you’re receiving all the proper nutrients to keep your body and mind in top shape. Most importantly, eat healthy foods and limit your alcohol and calorie intake.

Exercise can be an excellent antidepressant. Walking and stretching are two easy ways to fit some exercise into an otherwise busy routine. Even if your life as a mortgage professional is still as busy as always, don’t underestimate the benefits of finding a place for exercise in your schedule. Instead, treat exercise as if it were an important meeting — complete with a penciled-in spot on your calendar.

Getting plenty of sleep is also a key to maintaining a healthy frame of mind. Be sure to get approximately eight hours of rest each night. Not sleeping enough can decrease your performance at work and hinder your ability to adequately concentrate.

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None of these ideas should surprise you. Hopefully, you engage in some of these practices and activities now. To compete in this market, you need to have your mind and body in the best condition possible.

So, pick yourself up and get motivated. The market may be down, but that’s no reason for you to be, too.

 

Gary Opper is president of Approved Financial Corp., a licensed mortgage lender in Weston, Fla. Opper has been a mortgage lender and note buyer since 1984. He’s the managing member of Levie-Opper LLC, a mortgage-fraud litigation-support company. He’s a certified public accountant and certified financial planner. Opper is past president of the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals, Miami Chapter, and the Florida Institute of CPAs, Gold Coast Chapter. Reach him at (954) 384-4557 or Opper@ApprovedFinancial.com.