"A journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step".  I don't think Lao-tzu's statement is entirely accurate.  I think the very first step is to prepare your mind.  If you're not mentally prepared for a 1,000 mile journey, taking the first step will likely end with serious leg cramps shortly thereafter.

I believe the strength of your mind achieves 80% of everything you do, both physically and mentally.  If you think you're a great appraiser and should take home $250,000 per year, then I bet you dollars to doughnuts you will make that happen.  Conversely, if you think you can only produce $12,000 a month gross, then you are right.  The only real difference between these two appraisers is their attitude and mindset.

It may be through working effectively, utilizing technology, constantly improving your processes, taking additional education, business development and so on.  Often times it's just plain old working hard and having a passion.

Most appraisers I talk to about significantly improving their appraisal production, workflow and delivery view it as a marathon - out of reach and not a race worth starting.

I run with an "older" military officer (he's 51) and recently I asked him as we were running if he wanted to do eight miles.  He first said "I think I would like to..."  He then caught himself and realized his noncommittal wishy-washy statement and changed it to, "I am definitely going to run the eight miles with you now."  Wow.  What great mental discipline.

So ask yourself.  Have you earnestly started thinking about improving your appraisal production and office systems?  I guarantee your competition is working on it now.  Don't be caught flat-footed.  Yes, it does take time and the solutions are not perfect out of the box. But copying and pasting your reports in 2011 is not workable anymore.
 
As appraisers, we're all super busy and typically feel we only have enough time to work in the business and hardly ever on the business.  It's an important distinction.  So begin today to mentally prepare.  If you're a fee appraiser, visualize doubling your production.  If you own the firm, visualize all your appraisers' production AND report quality improving substantively.  Can you see it?  It's right in front of you.

If you  have an appraisal "best practice" you would like to share, please forward to Jeff.