Getting Better or Getting Bitter?

As we all know, there are a lot of changes going on in the primary mortgage market in the first quarter of 2019. Competition is applying pressure, consumers are setting greater expectations, and the digital age is here which will continue to compress margins and demand innovation from us all. There are certainly pros and cons with these changes and people are thriving or dying, depending on who you ask.  Certainly one’s perspective and insight, determined by their surroundings, will determine if they are getting better or getting bitter.

Better as an adverb is defined as more excellently or effectively doing something. As a verb it is defined by improving or to surpass (an existing or previous level or achievement). Not only must we survive, but we must surpass who we were yesterday as well as our competitors today. Today, more than ever, we have to pay attention and embrace self-education and change. Change is not an option, it is constant and it will control your destiny if you’re unable to control it yourself. 

Bitter using synonyms can be defined as resentful, aggrieved, dissatisfied, disgruntled, discontented, grudge-bearing, spiteful, or having a chip on your shoulder. No one wants to be bitter and certainly if you find yourself falling in this trap you better find a way out quickly. There are reasons in our industry why people feel this way, and I can tell you it’s 100% based on your chosen surroundings and lack of awareness of what is actually going on in a very big industry. When things happen outside of one’s control, they simply don’t realize that they actually can control it. You have to get involved and step outside of your office walls.

So embrace change, don’t fight it. Find contentment that allows you to be a better Mortgage Professional and a better person. Be competitive and always fight for a better industry and greater integrity, but never allow yourself to get bitter otherwise. Change your surroundings. Make new friends. Attend more meetings and events. Get out of your comfort zone. Read more, daily. Ask questions. Never stop. Never relax. Keep advancing and keep challenging yourself and others to be better. You can either win by adapting to change, or lose by fighting against it. Don’t just embrace change, become it.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” 

― Barack Obama

by Andy W. Harris, CRMS | President - NMLS# 124161

Vantage Mortgage Group, Inc. | NMLS# 35986

www.VantageMortgageGroup.com

The Elite Performer - Getting Better or Getting Bitter? - Featured in the April 2019 Edition of National Mortgage Professional Magazine