Coach's Corner: Ten Ways to Increase Your Production Without Sacrificing Your Life

Mary Duwe, CFP

Tax season always seems to highlight that there just aren't enough hours in the day which, in turn highlights a common situation that exists among high achievers: the downside of upside potential.  Also referred to as "the more I get, the less I have" syndrome, advisors suffering from this condition seem to win more in terms of production, but lose out when it comes to having a personal life. Some of us are so driven to be successful, we sacrifice too much of ourselves in the process.

Fortunately, it is possible to lower the costs of success.  It seems ironic but the very thing most advisors want – a better life – is at times given up in the name of having one. While this behavior is prevalent today, there are some simple things you can do to get your life back by developing strategies for a healthier approach to success. When you take a less costly approach to raising the bar, it ensures longevity in both your business and your life. Having a balanced measurement for success makes you a healthier--and happier--financial advisor.  On the flip side, the price you pay for the loss of balance in your life is high.  

Let's look at the 10 business essentials that can help you increase your production without sacrificing your life.  While we only have time to touch on these essentials here, you will walk away inspired, and that much closer toward your goal of  a life in balance, and one for which you won't have to sacrifice revenue.

Becoming successful doesn't happen in a day but it does happen daily. It's no secret that today working harder is not the answer to achieving greater success.  You'll see that these 10 essentials are not rocket science but they can add fuel to your pursuit of life balance.

1. Build yourself along with a powerful vision:  Invest in yourself first:  if you are giving from an empty bucket, you have less to give. You cannot give away something you do not have.  Develop yourself first and the vision will follow.

2. Create a purposeful vision:  When there is no purpose in the journey, there is no reason to arrive.

3. Don't grow it alone:  Do what you do best and let others do what they do best.

4. Keep your flame burning:  Begin with your heart, not your head because passion is the purest form of success.

5. Make your mark:  Make every person better as a result of interacting with you.

6. Create value for your clients in ways that bring joy to you:  Find new ways for your clients to experience and benefit from your relationship and service.  Learn to earn a playcheck meaning that you love what you do, and can't believe you get paid to do it.

7. Focus on what matters most:  When you change what you focus on, what you focus on changes.

8. Compress to expand:  Develop an eagle eye.  Attention to detail can identify and eliminate obstacles that prevent your success. Do more with less. Develop better processes. Progress lies within the process.

9. Be that which you admire most:   Identify the qualities you most admire in others and practice building those qualities in order to develop more character than you need. Adversity does not build character, it reveals it.

10. Market yourself confidently:  Confidently help clients understand your services and the value you bring.

While these 10 steps may seem simplistic – some of you might even feel they are trite – I've seen clients double their production without forfeiting their lives simply by embracing and living by these principles.  My guess is you will experience something similar or you give them a try.

Mary Duwe , a veteran advisor, Certified Financial Planner®, and Master Coach, brings a depth of experience and desire to help advisors improve their lives and practices. She has practiced as a successful financial planner since 1984 and is licensed in securities, life insurance, and real estate. Mary has a BS in Psychology and received her coach training from CoachU. She continued her training with the Graduate School of Coaching, Legacy Learning (Franklin Covey Coaching) and has completed the Emotional Competence Inventory Accreditation (EIC). As an experienced Emotional Intelligence Development Coach, Mary works with advisors to reorient their lives and their businesses for greater success, meaning, and fulfillment. Contact her at mary@mitchanthony.com .