As the year winds down and the holiday chaos subsides, it’s the perfect time to reflect and recharge. Let’s be honest—this season likely brought a whirlwind of wrapping paper explosions, endless group texts, and a constant flood of notifications. It’s almost as if your phone has been holding you hostage. So, here’s a bold suggestion: set it aside, just for an hour.

Take this time to unplug and let your brain breathe. The relentless pace of our work and personal lives can leave us overstimulated and overwhelmed, especially in an industry as fast-paced and high-pressure as mortgage lending. But stepping away from the screens doesn’t mean you’re shirking your responsibilities; it means you’re taking a moment to recalibrate and invest in yourself.

Try Something Tech-Free; Instead of scrolling or answering emails, try something that doesn’t involve a screen. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to start but never got around to. Grab a pen and doodle—even if it’s just stick figures. Sit by the window and watch the world outside: trees swaying, a squirrel darting across the yard, or your neighbor wrestling with their trash can lid. These small, seemingly insignificant moments can be surprisingly grounding.

If sitting still feels too unfamiliar or uncomfortable, engage in an activity with your hands. Cook a meal you’ve been craving, tackle that pile of laundry, or even build a house of cards. These simple tasks can help anchor you in the present moment, letting your mind wander freely without the constant hum of notifications.

Why It Matters; The holidays often leave us overstimulated, and that’s completely normal. Taking just one hour to unplug offers your brain the chance to reset. When you step away from the hamster wheel of texts, calls, and social media updates, you create space to rediscover clarity and focus—qualities that are invaluable in your work as a loan originator.
When you’re ready to return to your phone, it will still be there, buzzing and pinging as always. But after your hour of unplugging, you’ll likely feel more centered and refreshed—more yourself. This renewed sense of balance can be the perfect foundation for tackling the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.

Make It a Habit; Consider making this a regular practice. Whether it’s once a week or even just once a month, dedicating time to unplug and reconnect with the world around you can do wonders for your mental well-being. And as a mortgage professional, a clear, focused mind is one of your most powerful tools.

So, as we bid farewell to this year and gear up for the next, give yourself the gift of an hour to unplug. You’ve earned it, and your future self will thank you.

Life has a knack for throwing curveballs when you least expect them. Your instinct might be to swing hard, hoping for a home run, but what if the best move isn’t to swing at all? Sometimes, the real power lies in stepping back and seeing the pitch from someone else’s point of view.

Step Out of Your Head

Whatever challenge is bugging you right now, pause for a moment. Picture your best friend, your mom, or even that overly chatty coworker who always has a take on everything. Imagine they’re the ones dealing with this issue. What advice would they give?

• Your friend might say, “Stop overthinking it and just go for it!”
• Your mom might remind you, “You’ve faced worse. You’ve got this.”
• Your coworker, well, they’d probably find a way to lighten the mood with a funny (and surprisingly insightful) anecdote.

It’s funny how easily we can solve other people’s problems, but when it’s our own, we become the worst life coaches. Why? Because we’re stuck in the weeds, tangled in our own emotions and doubts. Switching perspectives can cut through that noise and bring clarity.
Meet Future You

Still stuck? Here’s a twist: imagine what Future You—the calmer, wiser version of yourself—would think about the situation. Spoiler alert: Future You is probably rolling their eyes and saying, “Relax. This isn’t as big of a deal as it feels right now. You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
Future You has seen it all play out. They know the mountains you’re making now are actually just molehills, and they’re quietly confident that you’ll handle it just fine.
Perspective Isn’t Perfect, But It Works

Switching perspectives doesn’t have to lead to some earth-shattering epiphany. Often, it’s the simple act of stepping out of your own head that makes all the difference. Suddenly, you’ll see the problem for what it is: solvable.

Here’s the kicker—you might even realize that the advice you’d give to someone else is exactly what you need to hear right now. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

​So, the next time life pitches you a curveball, don’t just swing blindly. Step back, switch perspectives, and watch as the game changes in your favor.