7 Rules for 2022
Happy New Year! One of my favorite holiday traditions is to set goals for the new year and review my previous year’s goals to celebrate and recalibrate for goals that I didn’t accomplish. While working on my 2022 goals, I was struck by a gift my daughter recently received of a poster with the “7 Rules of Life”1.
Although the 7 Rules themselves are not specific or measurable to list out as an individual goal, they provide a great framework for setting goals for 2022. These can apply to both your agency and your personal goals.
1. Smile – It always works out in the end!
If someone were to walk into your office, would the individual at the front desk greet them with a great big welcoming smile or an “I am too busy” please take a seat frown? A simple smile can change the course of your day and others.
2. Be Kind – You have the power to make people feel good!
View every interaction with others as an opportunity to make them feel good. If you manage others, be sure to set aside time on your calendar (weekly or monthly) for a regular huddle to help them achieve their goals.
3. Don’t Give Up – If it doesn’t work the first time, find another way!
When selling insurance, a “no” from one prospect just means you are closer to a “yes” from the next prospect. The most successful producers I know learn the “why” behind the “no” and what they learn from the prospect lost often helps create the right message for future client wins.
4. Don’t Compare – Everyone’s on a different journey!
This is my favorite rule! I often hear from insurance agency owners looking to sell their business, and surprisingly one of the most common reasons for considering a sale of their agency is that a friend just sold their agency. What is best for others might not be best for you.
5. Avoid Negativity – Avoid negative thoughts, situations & people!
Reflect on the individuals with whom you most enjoy spending time. Who are they? I am guessing you most enjoy being around positive people. Aim to be that positive person that others want to be around.
6. Make Peace With Your Past – Focus on being present and creating a better future!
One of my goals in 2022 is to be more present with friends and family. For some, that will mean enforcing a “phones off / friends on” rule, and for others, it means replying to their emails and texts on a timelier basis. Technology can be a powerful tool if we use it correctly.
7. Take Care of Your Body & Mind – One struggles to survive without the other!
Eat less, exercise more. Simple concept, yet I continue to struggle with my weight. I am confident that if I heed a positive mindset and don’t give up attitude that 2022 will be the year I achieve my fitness goals.
The “7 Rules of Life” are not rocket science, and there is no new rule or any groundbreaking concepts in the above rules. However, by taking the time to read, reflect, and strategize on how to incorporate it into your daily life, you can turn 2022 into your best year yet.
1The 7 Rules of Life was created by Hidden Forest Lifestyle
Author(s)
Jim King
Jim leads the Commercial Insurance Professionals Practice Group. He uses his understanding of the insurance industry to help insurance professionals maximize their prime earning years, develop a discipline around saving those earnings and put a plan in place to best utilize assets. Jim's focus on creating financial blueprints for his clients has earned him recognition as a “Five Star Wealth Manager” by Chicago Magazine.
