Technology has become such a massive part of our lives, it’s essential to consider its impact from time to time. While it can be a tool for growth, it can also be a source of distraction. When it comes to loan officers striving to build a thriving mortgage business, how does technology factor in? Do the benefits outweigh the costs? The good news is that it’s really up to you. Here’s how loan officers can start to ensure that technology is playing the role they want it to in their lives:

Be Intentional

Technology’s impact on your life starts with your mindset around it. Most of us are so used to technology as a part of our day to day that we often overlook the importance of defining what it means to us. This can lead to that unintentional use of technology, like scrolling through social media or reading articles instead of focusing on work. Loan officers need to determine when technology is a tool, and when it is a distraction. Then, they can intentionally choose to utilize it as a tool and diminish the amount of time they use it otherwise.

Set Goals

Loan officers can take this a step further by clarifying their goals. If you’re going to use technology as a tool, you’ll need to ask yourself – a tool for what? What are you hoping to achieve? Are you logging in to share some content you’ve written or reply to a message on your business page? Or are you absent-mindedly wanting a break from your work? When you’re clear about the purpose that technology is meant to serve for you, it can help you reduce those activities that don’t serve one.

Schedule Time

If you use technology to stay in touch with people you care about, to unwind and let your mind relax, or to get inspired with new information – that’s great. We just don’t want to let these activities creep into our work focus, overtake our productivity, or turn into unintended hours of time spent. Scheduling some time in your schedule for when you can use technology not as a tool to grow your business but as a means of personal connection or relaxation is a great way to help you stay on track. Maybe it’s a 10-minute afternoon break, or perhaps it’s how you wind down after work. Whatever the case, scheduling time for these things can help you catch yourself when you’re doing them outside of those windows and can allow you to determine how much time you’d like to spend in advance.

Disconnect

It’s also important for loan officers to give themselves some tech-free time. We spend so much of our time in front of a screen. Giving your eyes and mind a break can be an important strategy for keeping stress levels in check. Maybe you go for a walk without your phone or have a specific device-free timeframe at home. However you set it up, giving yourself time to disconnect is an important way to ensure technology isn’t taking up too much of your time.

Do you control your technology, or does it control you? Are you constantly reacting to message notifications, or are you able to use the platforms available to you to grow your business intentionally? Ultimately, loan officers who want to be successful need to take charge here. What are your thoughts about the role of technology in your business? I’d love to hear what you think!