The end of the year has arrived! Congrats to all of us agents and brokers—we made it and survived! What a wild year it’s been. Rates may have peaked in late 2023, but we’ve been riding the wave of steady declines in fixed rates throughout 2024. And finally, as we wrap up the year, we’re seeing that sweet little drop in Prime, letting our clients with adjustable and variable-rate mortgages breathe just a bit easier. Phew!
With 2024 in the rearview, I challenge each one of us, including myself, to conduct a “year in review” interview. Book it off in your calendar like a real appointment—no ghosting allowed. Show up on time, dress up if that helps, and take it seriously. Ask yourself the tough questions and answer them honestly. Consider:
- Did I hit my goals for 2024? If yes, give yourself a massive high-five—well done! If not, don’t dwell. Instead, reflect: What factors helped you succeed or held you back? Remember, the market itself doesn’t force you to miss targets; how you adapt to it does. (But that’s another conversation for another day.)
- What went well in my business this year?
- What didn’t work, and what would I do differently now with all the wisdom 2024 blessed me with?
Questions like these shine a spotlight on what we’ve learned and help us get that all-important bird’s-eye view heading into 2025.
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be pretty exciting. Many Canadians are facing mortgage renewals this coming year—some industry forecasts suggest a record number. That means our clients will be looking for guidance, support, and, of course, solid interest rates. And guess what? We’ve got their backs. Armed with more lender options, evolving tech tools, and support networks like Mortgage Professionals Canada, we’ll be well-positioned to guide clients to better financial futures.
Now’s the time to set your goals. Dream big, and don’t shy away from having one BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal, as Darren Hardy calls it) alongside five achievable, measurable targets. Keep them in sight—literally. Write them in a journal, slap them on a whiteboard, or set reminders on your phone. Consistency is king, and seeing your goals daily helps keep you focused.
I’ve attached a rhythm tracker that our fearless leader at DLCG, Gary Mauris, created. We’ve used it, it works, and it helps our agents stay on track all year long. Plus, I personally swear by Darren Hardy’s “Living Your Best Year Ever” program for both business and personal goal setting. Use the tools that resonate with you, and make them part of your daily routine—say, 7 a.m. every weekday. Lock that time in your calendar as “Goal Planning” time. No ifs, ands, or buts.
Next, find an accountability partner or group. There’s strength in numbers, and sticking to new habits is easier when others are cheering you on. Goals that might seem tough suddenly become totally doable when you’ve got the right people in your corner. We’ve seen it time and time again with our agents. The proof is in the pudding… or in the pipeline, I guess.
Lastly, remember: with the right support and a team around you that genuinely cares, you can achieve unbelievable results and transform the lives of your clients. If you have questions, need resources, or want to take your business to the next level, reach out. We’d be honored to be part of your journey and support your growth every step of the way.
In our office, we don’t ask, “What’s your volume goal?” We ask, “How many families do you want to help this year?” Let that question guide your planning for 2025. Focus on the people, and the results will follow.
Here’s to a great year behind us and an even more spectacular one ahead! Cheers!