What was the biggest challenge you faced in 2011 as a young agent, and how did you handle it?
Garrett Droege: I think the challenge in 2011 was staying positive. We are inundated with negative reports from every angle in our lives. The economy is bad. The market is soft. Investments are souring. It’s easy to allow yourself to give in to the negativity and use this information as an excuse. I’ve heard many producers say something like, “It’s rough out there. The economy and soft market are just making it impossible to produce new business.” I don’t buy it. You are responsible for your own destiny. You can find ways to be successful, but you have to avoid the negative sources at all costs.
Personally, I try to stay positive and help others see that things aren’t all bad. If I can share some positive news with a coworker, a prospect or client, it helps promote success rather than excuses for failure.
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