Staying Resilient in a Fast-Paced Mortgage World: A Mindset Guide for Brokers
In the ever-evolving mortgage industry, one thing remains constant: the pressure. With constant rate changes, shifting lender criteria, and the ongoing demand to stay visible and productive, stress is almost inevitable. But in this week’s episode of The Mortgage Broker Broadcast, Craig Skelton explores a powerful shift in thinking — that while stress is normal, being stressed is optional.
Whether you’re a new mortgage broker or an experienced business owner, your ability to stay resilient, focused, and calm is absolutely essential. Here’s how you can master your mindset and protect your wellbeing while continuing to grow your business.
Why Stress Is Normal — But Optional
Stress is a part of life. But how we respond to stress? That’s a choice. Drawing inspiration from stoic philosophy and practical self-employment experience, Craig reminds us that while we can’t control the market or underwriters, we can control how we perceive and react to events.
Let go of trying to control the uncontrollable. Instead, focus on what you can directly influence: your actions, communication, preparation, and relationships.
Practical Tools to Stay Grounded and In Control
- Micro Goals & Weekly Reflection
- Break down your long-term goals into weekly bite-sized wins.
- At the end of each week, reflect: What worked? What didn’t? Turn experience into growth.
- Negative Visualisation
- Picture the worst-case scenario — a declined application, a lost client.
- Mentally rehearsing your response builds emotional resilience.
- Cognitive Distancing
- Ask: What story am I telling myself right now?
- Separate fact from fiction to reduce emotional overwhelm.
- Don’t Suffer Twice
- Worrying about future problems often causes more suffering than the event itself.
- Stay in the present. Acknowledge your thoughts, then reset.
Creating a Healthier Work-Life Balance
Self-employed brokers often fall into the trap of overworking. Here’s how to create more balance:
- Prioritise and Plan: Use to-do lists and manageable goals to feel more in control.
- Break Down Big Tasks: Chunk larger projects into smaller actions.
- Take Deliberate Breaks: Even five minutes away from the screen can reset your brain.
- Use Music for Focus: A curated playlist can help with admin and creative tasks.
Be Honest and Build a Support Network
Bottling up stress helps no one. When you’re overwhelmed:
- Communicate Openly: Speak to fellow brokers or your mentor. Venting can lead to practical solutions.
- Set Boundaries at Home: Unplug after work. Your personal time matters.
- Say No More Often: You don’t need to do everything. Prioritise your wellbeing.
Your Health Is Your Business Asset
- Move Your Body: Even daily walks reduce anxiety and support mental health.
- Stay Hydrated, Eat Well, and Sleep Enough: These basics build stress resistance.
- Seek Help if Needed: Talking to a professional is a strength, not a weakness.
Handling Rejection with Perspective
In financial services, rejection is part of the journey:
- Don’t Take It Personally: Often, rejection reflects others’ preferences, not your worth.
- Reframe the Experience: Learn and move on. Align with clients who share your values.
- Affirm Your Strengths: Remind yourself of wins and lessons learned.
Keep Showing Up — Even When the Market Gets Tough
When the economy shifts or leads slow down:
- Tune Out the Noise: Avoid doomscrolling and gossip.
- Stay Client-Focused: Deliver value and lead with integrity.
- Work From Your Values: Helping clients buy homes and giving advice that matters makes your work meaningful.
Final Thoughts
Resilience isn’t about ignoring stress — it’s about managing your mindset so that stress doesn’t manage you. As Craig says, the financial services industry can be a rollercoaster, but how you show up daily is what defines your success.
If you’re ready to strengthen your mindset and build a business that aligns with your values, check out Self-Employed Broker Pathways for tailored support and coaching.
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Mortgage Broker Broadcast, share this blog with a fellow broker, and remember: run your own race.