So what did you ask for from Santa? Let me guess. An Ipod. Maybe a flat screen TV. Perhaps a new video camera.
Well, if you really want to be successful in life you should have asked for something else. Yes, you know what I’m about to say. You should have asked for books or educational materials.
Why You Need To Invest In Yourself Instead
Listen. I know a lot of people are cheap and hate spending money on courses or seminars. But since it’s Christmas time get someone else to buy you that course, or buy you all of those books that you’ve been wanting to purchase.
That’s what I did. I’m getting several real estate and marketing books that I’ve wanted for a while.
Now before you call me Scrooge, or you call me boring, here’s what you need to ask yourself: How much money is that Ipod going to make you? How much is that flat screen going to make you? The answer is nothing…
That’s why I don’t even own a TV.
Plus, if you’re broke right now and not making a very comfortable six-figure living then you shouldn’t even think of buying all those gadgets. All of your money should go into your education. Once you’ve become a highly successful real estate investor, then you can splurge on “toys.” I think it was Gene Simmons who said, “that anyone who takes a vacation before they’ve turned 30 and isn’t rich, is an idiot.” That’s not the exact quote, but basically, if you’re not rich you shouldn’t be spending money on toys yet.
Personally, I’m a cheap guy. For example, we just had a huge snow storm on the east coast. I went to the gas station the night before and all of the gas was sold out except for grade 93. I refuse to pay for grade 93, so I drove around until I could find 87. However, I spend about $35,000 a year on my education because I know it’s an investment. I have no problem spending money that I know will have a huge return on investment. (Real estate is a business and you must invest in any business if you want it to grow.)
Now, before you complain about gurus trying sell you stuff…
Or about how you’re really really broke and can’t invest in your education, then find a way to get the stuff for free if you can. Or go on Ebay and buy a course for next to nothing. I don’t care how you get the educational material but you won’t be successful without it.
So… have a wonderful Christmas, eat lots of good food, and start investing in yourself instead of buying gadgets and other crap that won’t make you money.
Photo: H Dickins
Article Author: Jason HansonJason has written 115 articles for us.
Visit Jason's Website: http://www.PrimoCoach.com
Jason R. Hanson is the founder of National Real Estate Investor Month and the author of “How to Build a Real Estate Empire”. Jason specializes in purchasing properties “subject-to” and has purchased millions of dollars worth of property using none of his own cash or credit.
Joshua Dorkin
John Fedro
Justin McHood
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Not educating yourself is way more expensive than ‘Investing’ in your education. Great point Jason!
.-= Nick@Subject2.com´s last blog ..What Failures Did You Have in 2009? =-.
Christmas isn’t about making it is about giving.
I agree that investing in yourself is an absolute must. If you havn’t already read these, I would recommend “What Would Google Do” by Jeff Jarvis; “Crush It” by Gary Vaynerchuck; “Excuses Be Gone” by Wayne Dyer; and “The Present”
.-= Bob´s last blog ..Why Are Interest Rates Rising? =-.
I think it was very stupid what you did by driving around to find a cheaper gas. It probably cost you as much if not more than the what you saved on the 87 octane. Not including your time and the risk of driving around in the snow. Daaaa
Jason — A suggested course for you might be CCIM, which is put on by NAR, but pretty much available, (I think) to anyone with the cash. It’s one of the best real estate investment courses around, IMHO. You might want to investigate it.
Love your attitude and discipline.
.-= Jeff Brown´s last blog ..Merry Christmas – Please Buckle Up Before the Ride Begins =-.