New Year Action Plan to Close 100 Loans in 2025

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John Jurkovich, Founder, The Mortgage Broker Builder

“You may delay, but time will not”

- Ben Franklin

 Why Wait for New Year’s Resolutions?

Start Now

It’s that time of year again. Decorations are up, eggnog is flowing, and everyone is talking about their big plans for next year. But here’s a question: Why are we waiting until January 1st to start working on New Year’s resolutions? What’s so special about that date? Spoiler: Nothing. It’s just another day.

The truth is, most New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re way too vague. Saying “Lose 20 pounds” isn’t something you can just do—it’s a result. And results only happen when we focus on what we can actually do.

So, let’s change how we think about this. If you have a goal, why not start today? Yes, today. Right now. Every day you wait is a day you’re missing out on making your life better.

The OPA Framework

Here’s a simple way to think about goals: use the OPA framework. OPA stands for Outcome, Purpose, and Action Steps. This method works because it helps you focus on actions, not just ideas.

Here’s how it works:

1. Outcome: What’s your big goal? 2. Purpose: Why is this goal important to you? 3. Action Steps: What are the steps you can take today to make progress?

A Real-Life Example

Let’s say you’re a loan officer, and your goal is to close 100 loans in 2025. That’s a great goal, but it’s not something you can do all at once. Here’s how you could use OPA to break it down:

Outcome: Close 100 loans in 2025.

Purpose: Provide my spouse and me some financial breathing room, put the kids back into that expensive after-school activity, family vacation, pay credit card debt, and the stronger the why the greater the chance you will do it.

Action Steps:

• Talk to five new real estate agents every week.
• Send a newsletter on the second Tuesday of every month.
• Utilize tech to add value and stay in front of my clients. For example, FinLocker.
• Spend two hours each week improving your sales and marketing skills.
• Create a Marketing plan and post on social media twice a week.
• Check in personally with all your closed clients every quarter.
• Find or hire someone to keep you accountable and help you stay on track. Buddy the Elf may be available.

Now you have a plan. These steps are specific and doable. They aren’t just wishes—they’re things you can actually accomplish.

Start Now

Here’s the big secret: You don’t have to wait until January 1st to begin. If your goal is worth doing, it’s worth starting today. Why wait to make your life better? The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results.

Imagine starting your action steps now. By the time January 1st comes, you’ll already be making progress. You’ll feel confident, have some wins under your belt, and be ahead of everyone else.

Take It One Step at a Time

A wise person once said the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. The same goes for goals. Break them down into small, manageable steps, and take them one at a time. It’s not flashy, but it works.

So, as you enjoy your eggnog and think about 2025, take a moment to write out your OPA plan. Then start today. You have 1,440 minutes every day. Make the most of them.

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