We should try to exceed—rather than merely meet—the requirements of our promises. “Exceeding expectations” sounds like you expend full effort and enthusiastically complete the task, whereas “meeting requirements” sounds like you grudgingly perform the minimum. A law of physics states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Exceeding performance expectations triggers a reciprocal reaction.How do you feel about doing your part when your partner has already given 110 percent?

Using the MBA method, a loan is considered contractually delinquent if the payment is not received by the end of the day immediately preceding the loan’s next due date (generally the end of the month). For example, a loan due on November 1, 2006 with no payment received on November 30, 2006 would be reported delinquent on the November statement to bondholders.

Using the OTS method, a loan is considered contractually delinquent if the payment is not received by the close of business on the loan’s due date in the following month. For example, a loan due on November 1, 2006 with no payment received on November 31, 2006 would not be reported delinquent on the November statement to the bondholders.

The OTS method delays the reporting of delinquent loans by one month relative to the MBA method. It is important to know which reporting method is used by each originator or servicer when comparing delinquency statistics.