Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with a work at home mother of 2 young children who is brand new to the real estate investing game. Within 10 minutes of speaking with her, I learned that she had completed 4 wholesale deals over the past few months….and while that is impressive, what is even more awesome is that it was just recently in November 2009 when she first heard about wholesaling as a way to get started in real estate. Talk about a woman of action!
I won’t elaborate on our entire conversation, but she seemed unaware of how significant this accomplishment is.
She’s clearly a high-achiever who is just focused on doing her best and forward relentless motion, but I think we all have to agree that she has accomplished something special. How many people research and research and read a course and another one and another one before ever taking any steps forward — much less completing 4 deals within the first few months?!?
All of this brings me to my 3 words of advice for new real estate investors.
Acknowledge Your Successes
If you don’t acknowledge your successes the same way you acknowledge your mistakes, you’re sure to have a memory full of blunders. ~Jack Canfield
It’s so important to train your brain to acknowledge your successes, both large ones and small ones. Why? Because it reinforces your goals, helps you stay focused on the prize and persevere despite obstacles, plus it gives you hope that you’ll actually reach your desired destination (which you will if you persist!).
This is actually one of the main reasons I started a blog a couple years ago. I wanted to openly share as I took steps forward…and some backwards…and then forward again! You don’t need to start a blog as a new investor, but you should definitely keep a written daily log that acknowledges each success. Take a few minutes to reflect on it. Don’t always keep it to yourself either! Share those successes with others around you when you have an opportunity. Not only does this help you, but you’ll inspire someone else. Whenever you’re facing a setback and can’t seem to remember all the positive momentum you’ve gained, you can always go back to that log as a reminder to persist.
There’s another side to this as well which I learned this from Og Mandino’s book The Greatest Salesman in the World. It said:
Never allow yesterday’s success to lull you into today’s complacency — forget the happenings of the day that is gone (whether good or bad) and greet the new sun with confidence that this will be the best day of your life.
So yes, acknowledge your success at the end of the day but be careful not to get comfortable and ride on that success for the next few days. You put out some bandit signs. You put an offer on a property. Great! When the sun rises again the next day, go do another 2 or 3 things key things to move your business along.
….and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Image: csitscenter
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Article Author: Shae BynesShae has written 51 articles for us.
Visit Shae's Website: http://www.goodfaithinvesting.com
Shae Bynes is a real estate investor in Sunny South Florida. On her blog, GoodFaithInvesting.com, she provides helpful tips and an inside look at her real estate investing adventures -- obstacles, failures, & successes!
Joshua Dorkin
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Hi Shae, thank you for this, I especially like what you said “Not only does this help you, but you’ll inspire someone else.”. I believe this is a good way to pay-it-forward to the next beginning investor.
.-= Jay Castillo´s last blog ..Time to outsource my title transfer =-.
Hi Jay, thanks! I absolutely agree….I always tell people that no matter where they are in this business, they have something to give. There is always someone who has done even less than you who would be anxious to learn from you and be inspired by you.
.-= Shae Bynes´s last blog ..The Greatest Salesman in the World (Book Review) =-.
Shea, this topic of your article is “evergreen” in nature. Allowing ourselves to ackowledge our successes is something most of us never get! Why… because we are our own worst critics.
Too bad this article couldn’t be made sticky because it is that important.
Pete
Thanks Pete! Even though I targeted my words towards new investors, I think its relevant to everyone regardless of experience level because of the point you made so clearly…we’re our own worst critic!
.-= Shae Bynes´s last blog ..The Greatest Salesman in the World (Book Review) =-.
Nice article, Shae! It’s always nice to hear the successes of others. And, you’re right – successes whether they be big or small are successes either way. I think some people get caught up in the large successes – I’m a firm believer that the small successes are the most important as they form the building blocks for the larger ones.
Regarding success, one of my favorite quotes:
“Success is a journey, not a destination.”
I think it’s the journey that truly makes it worthwhile. And, the journey is where the story lies – that’s what makes it interesting.
I enjoyed reading your article, thanks for sharing!
Thanks as always for your comments, Rachel! The journey is where the story lies….love that! Hope you’ve enjoyed your holiday weekend!
.-= Shae Bynes´s last blog ..Freedom! =-.
Hi Shae, Thanks for the mention. Appreciating my successes and what i can achieve, helps me bounce back from perceived failures. Great article, you are the best.
Absolutely, Esi! Glad you enjoyed the article and wishing you continued success with your wholesaling business!
.-= Shae Bynes´s last blog ..Freedom! =-.
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