3 Tips to Stay Motivated & Effective During AEP

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the most important—and most intense—time of year for licensed insurance agents. Between client appointments, enrollments, and late nights catching up on paperwork, it’s easy for agents to lose focus on their own well-being.

To help you stay sharp and sustain your momentum, we’ve outlined three proven strategies to keep your energy, motivation, and performance strong all season long.

1. Build Better Habits

During AEP, it’s tempting to sacrifice sleep, meals, or downtime to meet deadlines. But neglecting your physical needs can backfire quickly. Skipping rest or exercise doesn’t just impact your health—it affects your focus, judgment, and productivity.

Make sleep a non-negotiable part of your schedule. Aim for 7–8 hours each night and unplug from electronics at least an hour before bed. Try establishing a consistent bedtime routine to help your body wind down.

Nutrition also plays a key role in performance. Prep healthy snacks and meals in advance so you’re not relying on fast food or vending machine options. Small changes like these can help you stay energized and mentally clear throughout the day.

2. Pace Yourself for the Long Run

AEP may feel like a sprint, but it’s actually a marathon that lasts nearly two months. The agents who succeed are the ones who know how to balance intensity with endurance.

Avoid burning out early by setting sustainable goals. Remember: “Never sacrifice the long-term objective for short-term gains,” This mindset helps you push through the trenches of AEP every year.

Make time for yourself outside of work. Spend time with family, pursue a hobby, or simply step outside to reset. Even short breaks can help you recharge and stay positive during long days.

As PSM Brokerage CEO Lucas Vandenberg puts it, “AEP is a marathon run at sprint speed, and the agents who thrive are the ones who balance structure, discipline, and self-care.”

3. Keep It Consistent

The key to lasting success during AEP—and beyond—is consistency. Once healthy habits become part of your daily routine, maintaining them will feel natural even in the busiest weeks.

“I believe the habits that set agents up for AEP success all come down to consistency,” says Lucas Vandenberg. “A daily plan keeps you focused and moving in the right direction.”

By prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and pacing, you’ll not only avoid burnout but also bring your best energy and focus to every client interaction. Consistency isn’t just about productivity—it’s about sustainability.

Help Your Clients Stay Safe Online

As agents stay focused on serving clients, it’s also important to be aware of common scams that surface during AEP. Cybercriminals often pose as Medicare representatives or offer “free” services to trick beneficiaries into sharing personal information.

Remind your clients that Medicare will never call or email asking for their Medicare number, and that any offers for free medical equipment, cards, or cash equivalents are likely fraudulent. Encourage clients to hang up immediately and report suspicious activity to 1-800-MEDICARE.

By protecting your clients’ trust, you’re also protecting your reputation as a professional.

Final Thoughts

AEP is a time of opportunity—and challenge. By focusing on balance, discipline, and consistency, agents can stay motivated, serve clients effectively, and finish the season strong.

At PSM Brokerage, we’re here to help you do exactly that. Our team provides the support, training, and tools you need to stay organized, compliant, and successful all year long.

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