Strategic Mediocrity - Being Certifiable

Here’s the truth: most people waste their energy trying to be great at everything. That’s a losing game. You want to win? You need to embrace something Ben Trosky calls Strategic Mediocrity. Yep, he said it. Be average in some areas so you can dominate in the ones that matter.

The world loves to scream, “Be excellent in everything!” But here’s the kicker—no one actually is excellent at everything. So why play that game? Instead, choose where you're going to be "just okay" to free up time, energy, and mental bandwidth for what’s going to make you rich, fulfilled, and crushing life.

Why You Should Master Being "Just Okay":

1. Maximize Focus: Quit spreading yourself thin. When you stop chasing perfection in every tiny detail, you can pour gasoline on the stuff that truly moves the needle.

2. Reduce Stress: Trying to be a superhero in every part of your life is a one-way ticket to burnout. Strategic mediocrity? It’s the relief valve. You'll lower stress and actually enjoy the game.

3. Buy Back Time: Ask yourself: How much time are you wasting on things that don’t even matter? Being "good enough" in some areas frees up hours—hours you can now invest in what’s actually driving success.

4. Unlock Creativity: Here’s the crazy part—when you stop obsessing over being perfect, you open up room for innovation. The pressure lifts, and your brain starts finding new angles, better solutions, and fresh ideas.

If I could encourage you to stop some stuff, I’d also encourage you to start to teach. Teach to learn, and learn to teach. It is so fulfilling, but it is also a cheat code to unlocking opportunity in your community.

New Marketing Idea: Go sell homes to Dock Workers, they make serious bank:

a BORROW SMART CONCEPT
Get Certified Somewhere

My wife says I’m certifiable. I’m not totally sure what she means, but I do know that earning certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can significantly boost your earning potential and career opportunities in the financial planning and investment industries. According to a 2023 CFP Board Compensation Study, CFP-certified professionals tend to earn 12% more than non-certified financial planners, with increased base salaries and variable pay, as well as access to additional benefits like profit sharing and retirement plans​.

When we started lending through financial advisors as our main focus, I realized they had certifications and I could’’t find one in the mortgage industry… I wanted that confidence and credibility - even as a conversation starter. Our industry had no certifications in 1992, so we created one and have worked with it diligently for over 20 years. You don’t have to pick the CLA - Certified Liability Advisor, but set a personal goal to have at least one in your career.

As another example, a CFA reports median salaries ranging from $162,500 to $237,357 depending on the level of experience and education.

Investopedia | UWorld | Finance CFP Board

Some benefits of a professional certification include:

• Enhanced Earning Potential: Certified professionals typically earn more than their non-certified peers. CFP professionals, for example, can earn 12% more than non-certified planners​.

  CFP Board

• Career Advancement: Certification opens doors to higher-level positions and leadership opportunities. Professionals with certifications are more likely to be considered for promotions and roles involving supervisory responsibilities​.

  CFP Board

• Client Trust and Credibility: Holding certifications like CFP or CFA signals a high standard of expertise, ethical responsibility, and professionalism. Clients tend to place more trust in certified professionals, which can lead to an expanded client base and long-term relationships​(

  CFP Board | UWorld Finance

• Comprehensive Knowledge and Skills: The certification process ensures that professionals acquire a deep understanding of financial planning, portfolio management, risk management, and more, equipping them to provide top-tier advice to clients​.

  Investopedia

• Networking and Professional Development: Certification often grants access to exclusive networking opportunities through professional organizations. These networks are valuable for career growth, business development, and staying updated on industry trends​(

  UWorld Finance

• Greater Job Satisfaction: CFP and CFA professionals report higher job satisfaction due to the stability and career fulfillment these certifications provide, including a better work-life balance and job security​(

  CFP Board

Get certified, don’t be certifiable…
cer·ti·fi·a·ble

/ˈsərdəˌfīəb(ə)l/

adjective

1. able or needing to be certified.

2. officially recognized as needing treatment for a mental condition.

   

   each chart tells a story

   

   https://yardeni.com/charts/yri-zoom-presentation-chartbook/

   

   5% if you look strictly at the mortgage rate - the blended rate is much higher if you add credit card and other debts, but this number will continue to grow!

LIABILITIES and DEBT
What’s Happening.

REAL ESTATE
What’s Happening?

ASSETS and INCOME
What’s Happening?

ON BEING HUMAN
What’s Worth Sharing?

Mother Goose Rhyme hits hard:

For every ailment under the sun

There is a remedy, or there is none;

If there be one, try to find it;

If there be none, never mind it.

DOPAMEMES
And Other Happy Moments…

Artificial Intelligence
And the Future of Work…

Prompt to try: Create a Logo for an Event You are Teaching

Create a minimalistic black and white graphic design featuring a house with a question mark. The question mark comes out of the chimney of the house. The design is on a white background with no additional details, focusing on a sleek and uncluttered appearance.

RESULT:

Borrow Smart University || National Institute of Financial Education