Industry professionals share their top tips for productive mornings
It’s a Monday… the weekend already seems a world away, and the working week stretches far into the distance. As much as mortgage professionals are very often passionate about their work, it’s not always easy to feel at your most productive first thing, so what truly motivates successful mortgage professionals to get focused for the day ahead?
“For me it’s been quite a lot of trial and error but I’m happy with where I am with this for now,” shared specialist mortgage adviser Amar Dhanota (pictured left), co-founder of London-FS. “Being a mortgage professional comes with its own challenges - add working for yourself and family commitments, it’s a whole different story.”
Understanding your own pattern, is key Dhanota believes. “I am an early riser, for example, so for me my peak or most productive time of day is between 6.30 and 11am,” she said, “so a great time for me to get the majority of my tasks done - and a half hour walk before sitting down stimulates my mind. I will always look at my diary when I wake up, so I can see what I need to do and when to take time out during the day. Breaking down your day really helps, and seeing the break slots in the morning means I can think about what I need to do outside of work and slot them in there or just sit and watch daytime TV for half hour.”
She added: “I find unfinished business from the day before can create a sense of panic/stress. I may think I’ve got everything done before I finish for the day, and then I see an email from a client/lender in the evening and think I need to sort that out. I don’t now look at my emails after 9pm and it has definitely made a difference. I saw a quote a while ago, which said, ‘Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.’ Starting the day on a positive for me is the most important thing. If I’m still thinking about the day before and a stressful situation and carry it into the following day, I find it hard to shake off.”
Broker, Hannie Mason (pictured second from left), founder of Mortgages with Hannie, is intentional about how her day begins. “For me, the best way to start the day is with intention before the inbox takes over,” she said. “I give myself 10 to 15 minutes to look at the day ahead, set priorities, and mentally walk through what’s coming up, before diving into emails or client work. It’s a small habit, but it helps me feel in control, rather than reactive. This job can be full on, and every day brings new challenges, so starting in a calm, focused headspace makes a big difference.” Mason added: “It’s easy to get swept up in the urgency of everything, but I’ve learned that if I don’t set the tone early, the day can run me instead of the other way around. It doesn’t have to be a big morning routine, just a few minutes of quiet planning helps me stay grounded, make better decisions, and cope more calmly with the curveballs that come with the mortgage world.”
Adviser, Sam Hutchins (pictured second from right), at Blueberry Specialist Lending, is a gym enthusiast, who also provides workout advice through his business, Fitness in Finance. “I always start my mornings with a walk,” Hutchins said. “No matter the time or year or weather, my day always starts with a one to one-and-a-half mile walk. Sometimes I put on a weighted vest for this walk also. Second is hydration - I consume electrolytes pretty much straight away after waking. Third is a good breakfast. This normally entails eggs and I avoid sugary foods like most cereals or pastries with chocolate in them. This all gets me in a great mindset and mood for the day, helping my brain and body start the day in the best possible way.” He added: “If things go wrong first thing, I feel I am able to deal with it so much easier because of my good start to the day.”
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Clearing your head
As a busy family man, Ben Perks (pictured right), managing director of Orchard Financial Advisers, understands as much as anyone the importance of starting the day well – and focused. “I like to start my days by shouting at the top of my lungs 15 times,” he joked. “Usually it’s ‘Will you just put your shoes on?!’ to my seven-year-old, or ‘Get out of bed!’ to my 12-year-old. Joking aside, the world of mortgages can be pretty intense so a good morning routine is helpful. Do something to clear the head and get you into a problem solving mood. For me, I like to run or hit the gym. The feeling of accomplishment early in the day sets me up well.” Perks added: “Everyone’s different - however you do it, it’s important you get into a good head space. Our job is great, because the harder you work the better you can do. So make sure you hit the ground running each day.”
Katrina Horstead (pictured inset, above) is part of a women-led team at brokerage Versed, of which she is a co-founder and director. “As financial advisers and working mums, our mornings are all about intention,” she explained. “Time is limited, so we focus on what sets us up well both mentally and physically. Exercise, fresh air, and good food are non-negotiables. Even 30 minutes of movement or a walk outside helps us clear our heads and approach the day with energy and focus. If we have a team meeting, this always starts with some fresh air. We make lists, lots of them, to stay organised, reduce decision fatigue and make space for what matters most: our clients, our work and our families. It’s not about perfection. It’s about routine, clarity and showing up prepared in every part of life.”
Meanwhile, Amy Davenport (pictured inset, above), who oversees business support and operations at The Mortgage Mum Specialist Finance, comments: “By the time I actually start work, I’ve already lived what feels like a full day, with toddler negotiations and nursery runs. Once I’m back, I have two ways to get ready for work – breakfast, trying to make it healthy, and a coffee. I sit down and write an old-school list of everything I want to achieve that day - this can be both work and ‘life admin’. I always start with the quick wins to build momentum and get that list ticked off. That bit of structure keeps me sane and helps me feel like I’m one step ahead before the mortgage madness begins.”
