The Simplest (and most overlooked) Productivity Strategy

No matter how long we’ve been doing the same thing, it can be a challenge sometimes to maintain a high level of productivity. Particularly in the mortgage industry — with demanding workdays and no shortage of distractions — having some strategies in place to ensure you maintain (or improve) your productivity is a smart move. But a quick Google search for productivity tips will give you so many differing results that knowing where to start may be difficult. This week, I wanted to go back to the basics and mention a very simple, very effective strategy that you can employ without having to radically change your day-to-day. In my opinion, just taking a break is a proven method that will give you the productivity boost you’re looking for. Here are a few things to consider:

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It Allows You to Reset

I mentioned some of the challenges of being a mortgage professional above — it’s a tough job. And when our work requires so much from us, we don’t get much time to reset and recharge during the day. Between appointments, to-do lists, problem solving, making plans, etc., it can be overwhelming. If this is our default mode, we run the risk of eventual burnout. But taking even a five – or ten-minute break, helps to slow your thoughts, reset, and regroup. And when you return to work, you’ll feel less distracted and overwhelmed.

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It Gives You the Opportunity to Recharge

We don’t always get all the rest that our bodies require — we want to fit everything in — and that can lead to early mornings and later nights. When we’re consistently busy, the high levels of stress we experience can contribute to a sense of fatigue. That decrease in energy can be a major drain on productivity. But allowing yourself strategic breaks will give you an opportunity to recharge and get back some of that energy you were missing.

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It Helps Combat Stress

As I mentioned, sustained busyness can contribute to a feeling of exhaustion. It can also make it very difficult to focus and stay engaged with our work. When we’re feeling the squeeze of a deadline and productivity is crucial, it’s common to push through and try to maintain productivity. But when we do that, it often creates more stress and leaves us feeling drained. Taking a break though, lets you alleviate some of that stress. You could take a short walk, meditate, stretch, or just take some deep breaths. Giving your body a way to release some of that stress will set you up to be more efficient than if you had you just tried to power through.

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I know it sounds basic, but taking breaks is surprisingly underutilized. We may have learned that a break detracts from productivity and that we should stay in go-mode all day, every day. But while it may seem counterintuitive to step away from all the work that needs to be done, give it a try and see if it works for you.?

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If you’re a loan officer or sales manager considering new opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to share with you all of the reasons that BayFirst Financial (formerly First Home Bank) is the best company for entrepreneurial-minded loan officers to work with.