In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to be productive can feel overwhelming. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep; we strive to make every minute count. But what if the key to true productivity isn’t about managing time at all?
Steve Jones, Senior Sales Trainer at Enact, provides a fresh perspective on time management that shifts the focus from juggling tasks to mastering self-management. This approach is designed to help you re-energize your workdays, reduce stress, and create meaningful impact both at work and at home.
Does time management feel hard to accomplish?
Mortgage professionals every year face the same challenge: too much to do, not enough time to do it. The “To Do” list grows, interruptions multiply, and the line between work and life blurs. Despite decades of time management advice, why do so many in our industry still feel overwhelmed?
The truth is…everything feels like a top priority. The endless tasks, constant interruptions, and the desire to spend more time with family or on personal pursuits can leave you drained. As one Forbes article notes, the struggle to prioritize, control the “To Do” list, and minimize interruptions is universal—especially in the mortgage and housing industries, where interruptions are part of the job description.
So, what’s the actual problem then? You… might think it’s you, but the reality is it’s not time that is the problem, but how we manage ourselves with the time we have. Time will pass no matter what, but it’s what we do with the time we have that counts. This isn’t a hopeless problem, so let’s get into it.
Why you should focus on "action to impact" vs. "time management"
Traditional time management techniques date back to the early 20th century, rooted in Frederick Winslow Taylor’s principles of scientific management. But time itself is constant—we can’t slow it down or speed it up. What we can manage is ourselves. And more recently, Jordan Edmunds, Ph.D., echoes this sentiment: “It’s never been about managing time. It’s always been about self-management.”
Since time moves on, regardless of our efforts, and the real challenge is self-management, we’re charged with holding ourselves accountable to our actions and knowing ourselves. It’s important to know when you’re most productive, how to set boundaries, and how to build routines that support your goals. That’s also why it’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate your processes, workflows, and operations to not only optimize work, but how you spend your time outside of work, too.
The real problem we face with managing our time
Many of us struggle with the following:
- Prioritizing effectively
- Managing overwhelming to-do lists
- Minimizing interruptions
- Finding time for health, family, and hobbies
These challenges often lead to stress, burnout, and a sense of never having enough time. Unfinished work, never-ending to-do lists, the pressure to be always available, and the guilt of missing out on family time can take a serious toll on your well-being and performance. Even with the best intentions, most people abandon new time management habits within months, as experts say it takes 66 days for a habit to fully form. And that is where the solution lies—shifting from time management to self-management.
Key strategies and techniques to shift to self-management
Speaking of time, don’t waste it chasing productivity hacks. Instead, develop a deeper understanding of your personal rhythms and capacity. This where our ‘Action to Impact’ approach comes in and may help you navigate some of the obstacles outlined above.
Ask yourself:
- When do I do my best work?
- When am I most sluggish?
- How can I structure my day to align with my energy levels?
Think of your time like coins—precious and limited. Remember to spend them wisely… Consider and try out these strategies and techniques that may help you do just that.
Five Steps to Managing Yourself
- Prioritize Ruthlessly: Focus on no more than five main priorities per week. Anything more becomes a “To Do” list, not a set of priorities.
- Streamline Your To Do List: Keep tasks under 15 minutes. Longer tasks should be scheduled on your calendar.
- Integrate Calendars: Use one calendar for both personal and professional commitments to avoid double-booking and mental fatigue.
- Build in Unplanned Time: Block at least 30 minutes of unplanned time each day to catch up or plan ahead.
- Establish Routines: Routines reduce decision fatigue and free up mental energy for complex work. Whether it’s a morning routine or a set time for deep work, consistency is key.
Five Techniques for Better (Time) Management
- Set Weekly Priorities: No more than five.
- Quick To Do List: Tasks should take less than 15 minutes.
- Plan Within Capacity: Don’t overbook yourself.
- Block Unplanned Time: But keep it to an hour or less.
- Develop Routines: For both personal and professional tasks.
Two “You” Management Models to boost focus
- Pomodoro® Technique: Work in 25-minute focused intervals with short breaks. After four cycles, take a longer break.
- 52/17 Method: Work for 52 minutes, then take a 17-minute break. Both methods help maintain focus and prevent burnout.
These insights are meant to help maintain energy and reduce burnout. While not an exhaustive list, if you’re not taking care of yourself first, you’re not able to do your best work, in and out of the workplace.
Focus on time management now for success next year
Ready to finish the year strong and prepare for the next home buying season? Start by choosing one or two strategies outlined above and commit to making them habits. Remember, self-management and time management is all about doing what matters most, better.
The mortgage industry is cyclical, and the upcoming year will inevitably bring new challenges and opportunities. By mastering self-management, you’ll not only reduce stress and improve your work-life balance, but you’ll also increase your impact—without increasing your work hours.
I’ll leave you with this:
The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.
More ways we at Enact can help
Time management isn’t about squeezing more into your day—it’s about making your time count. By focusing on self-management, you can create a work-life rhythm that supports your goals, health, and happiness.
Dive deeper into ways to improve your time management by checking out this in-depth training course. You’ll only need 30 minutes to discover proven time management strategies to boost productivity, master your schedule, and finish each day feeling accomplished (not exhausted). Whether you’re looking to level up at work or find more balance at home, this insightful training will help you turn intention into impact.
Enact also offers a suite of tools—including Rate Express®, Underwriting Resources, and other training resources to help you along the mortgage origination journey. Plus, you can always reach out to your Enact Sales Representative if you need an extra helping hand.
Source: Steve Jones is the Senior Sales Trainer at Enact Mortgage Insurance. He has spent over 20 years helping mortgage professionals like you develop strategies that actually work in the real world.
The statements in this article are solely the opinions of Steve Jones and do not necessarily reflect the views of Enact or its management.
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