It's easy to get off to a slow start in the New Year and find yourself running to catch up later. It doesn't have to be that way.

Let's look at seven temptations and what you can do to turn them around.

1. I'll prospect tomorrow.

It may be your least favorite activity. You look for any excuse to put it off.

What will you say tomorrow? When does tomorrow become next week? Your manager wonders why your pipeline isn't getting filled.

Instead: Work on a good habit: Get the less desirable tasks out of the way early in the day.

2. I have the whole year ahead of me.

It's tempting to make the case to "ease into work" over a few days or weeks.

There was an old Russian Communist-era joke: "They pretend to pay us, we pretend to work." But you have a different business model: You're paid on business you bring in. You need to get started.

Instead: Think of the New Year as horses lined up at the starting gate at a race. The firm's top producer and you are starting off even. What will you do to lead the pack?

3. They must be OK because they haven't been calling; let sleeping dogs lie.

Not calling doesn't mean not worried. They may be actively prospected by another broker or advisor saying: "When was the last time you had a call from your broker?"

Instead: Annual reviews are good; quarterly reviews are great. People want to know where they stand. If you don't call and claims skyrocket, making the call becomes more difficult.

4. My clients don't want any other products; they never asked.

We think because they only buy one product, they have no other interests.

Meanwhile, they only buy one product because they think of you as "their health insurance guy" or their "group life guy." They don't know you do other stuff.

Instead: Have a meeting and explain the range of products and services you offer. You may be surprised at their reaction.

5. I have all of their plans for all of their workers.

How do you know that? Does the employer have offices in other cities? Does it have remote workers you've never thought about?

Instead: Continue to bring them ideas.

6. I don't need to see them; our relationship is fine.

It takes time to meet a client at lunch or in the evening after work.

You might do most of your business over the phone. You might use e-mail and texting within firm rules.

Distance weakens relationships. The client's accountant might be asking: "Why do you stay with them?"

Instead: See them periodically. Do something nice for them. Get to know their receptionists. Get to know their new benefits and HR workers, if possible.

7. I don't need training; I'm good at what I do.

Ever notice how some established brokers skip training sessions? They feel they are good and stay in their comfort zone.

Your firm designs new products and services because they think people will buy them. You can't explain them if you haven't learned about them.

Instead: Attend training provided by the firm. Ask yourself: "How could this new product or service fit into my practice?"

Bryce Sanders is president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc. He provides HNW client acquisition training for the financial services industry. His book, "Captivating the Wealthy Investor" can be found on Amazon.