20 YEAR OLD SUCCESS!! And why others keep failing..

20 YEAR OLD SUCCESS!! And why others keep failing..

Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes

Hey guys and gals!

Before I get to my actual post, let me just say this..

First and foremost, I'm pumped! Pumped about the future and what it WILL hold. Pumped about the big juicy problems I am currently dealing with (doing big things you know) Pumped about the success I'm seeing from others on BiggerPockets, and absolutely PUMPED about an epiphany that came over me as I was doing my MM routine this morning.. An epiphany that cleared the confusion as to why some are successful and why some are not. Why someone can work 10 times harder than someone else and not be as successful.. in any area of life! Why someone keeps going to the gym but never seeing results and why someone can hustle, but never close a deal. The epiphany my friends, will astound you at it's simplicity. Yet amaze you at it's truth. 

You ready for it? Here it goes..

Stop committing to results.. Commit to the process.

There you have it my friends!

The reason you haven't closed on a deal this month, is because you are committed to closing a deal this month and not Committed to cold calling 10 MLS listings every day for the next month.

The reason you can't get rid of that stubborn belly fat, is because you are committed to loosing belly fat and not committed to running 3 miles a day.

Essentially, my epiphany is nothing short of this.

Focus on the process and the results will come. They have no choice.

I go to the gym everyday because I've committed to making myself look pretty. And that commitment is fun! But when I get there the workout is tough! and I give up.. Because I've committed to the pretty physique and Not the 600 Arnold presses and 200 miles I have to run. Now that, that is a difficult commitment! But one that will guarantee my desired glutes of steel. ;)

Anyways, I hope I have inspired and encouraged some people out there who feel like they are spinning their tires, hustling to nowhere.. or just plain ready to give up. Change your focus up a bit and it might change your world.

Okay, now to get to the real reason I posted this evening. (sorry for the detour)

Several days ago after talking about what I have been doing in Real Estate with someone, an unnamed acquaintance of mine said that as a 20 something year old, he (or she) could not be successful in the real estate game. He or she went on to say that the opportunities I have come across would never happen to him/her. (I'm 22, so can I say challenge accepted?)

So, I told this person that I would ask my network what they have all accomplished in the real estate world in their 20's and how they accomplished it or came across the deal/opportunity. I told this person that EVERY response would be copied, pasted and messaged to him/her so I could prove to them that it is completely and TOTALLY possible which will hopefully in-turn motivate them to take action.

I actually took this challenge a step further.. 

Because this was nowhere near the first time someone has said this to me, and will certainly not be the last. I have decided to completely step out of my comfort zone. I have created a youtube channel and podcast dedicated to sub 30 success.

The videos and podcasts will be strictly about:

  • Entrepreneurial mindset (in your 20's)
  • Failure. how to view it and the success it brings (in your 20's)
  • Investments (in your 20's)
  • Business (in your 20's)
  • Leadership (in your 20's)
  • Tons of encouragement for people in their 20's
  • Mindset Limitations
  • And of course Sub 30 success stories!

The reason I bring this up is because if you are having success in your 20's I want to connect with you and get you on the podcast so we can encourage our generation of leaders, Entrepreneurs and future business men and women.

If you are in the least bit interested in joining up with me on the podcast or video as a guest please connect with me and lets talk success!

If you have had success in your 20's please share it here so I can prove some people wrong!! Go ahead, we all like to brag about ourselves..

Have a great night guys, and remember..

Your mindset, how you think, is a either a mountainous obstacle, or your greatest virtue when pursuing success.

17Reply
200 views

Most Popular Reply

Investor/Syndicator · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2014 · 470 posts · 599 votes
10y

@Nicholas Armstrong Great post and great cause. I am a firm believer that the millennial generation has the ability to suffocate the american economy, or bring it to highest we have ever seen. The key is financial education. 

I am currently 26 and have gained much attention for the success I have accomplished at a young age. 

See my interview on the Biggerpockets Podcast: Episode 124 Building a real estate empire at a young age.

 

Or check out my recent blog post At the age of 26 I'm on the brink of financial freedom - Here's how I did it.

If you ever need a pod cast guest I'd be happy to volunteer my time to get behind your cause. 

 

See this reply in the discussion

54 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Investor/Syndicator · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2014 · 470 posts · 599 votes
    10y

    @Nicholas Armstrong Great post and great cause. I am a firm believer that the millennial generation has the ability to suffocate the american economy, or bring it to highest we have ever seen. The key is financial education. 

    I am currently 26 and have gained much attention for the success I have accomplished at a young age. 

    See my interview on the Biggerpockets Podcast: Episode 124 Building a real estate empire at a young age.

     

    Or check out my recent blog post At the age of 26 I'm on the brink of financial freedom - Here's how I did it.

    If you ever need a pod cast guest I'd be happy to volunteer my time to get behind your cause. 

     

  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Jered Sturm

    Spot on! 

    I would love to have you! I will DM you more details so we can get together and encourage some fellow Sub 30 entrepreneurs!

    I have listened to that specific podcast, very encouraging to say the least!

    I agree, the foundational issues is financial ignorance. But I also believe that self limiting beliefs hinder potential entrepreneurs from ever starting. So I want to get the word out there that you can be successful in your 20's with a little bit of education and a mindset shift.

  • Wholesaler · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2016 · 77 posts · 13 votes
    10y

    @Nicholas Armstrong and @Jered Sturm, now I am PUMPED. I am about a week or so into my REI journey. I am currently in the Education stage of my journey. The articles are great, I google terms I do not know or have a hard time finding, and the community is welcoming and helps out a ton--even if my questions are asked by someone else! I began by reading the Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing. Needless to say, I am not the fastest reader in the world. Once I figured out that the guide was on video? Game changer! I am currently watching it and ,between sections, I read some articles as well. It's really fascinating stuff! I am excited that you two are on the road to success and can serve as an inspiration to those of us in the same age bracket.

  • Rental Property Investor · Mount Vernon, NY · Member since 2016 · 89 posts · 125 votes
    10y

    I'm with you on this. I constantly tell my peers that these goals are in fact attainable. A lot much rather commit cash to partying and depreciating assets. When I bought my first property (only one currently) a lot of folks in my age group made it seem like I did the impossible, but the fact of the matter is that with due dilligence and commitment to the process as you mentioned anything is very well attainable. 

  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Johnquel Jones

    I can hear the enthusiasm! Im looking forward to following your story and seeing what you can accomplish! My suggestion at this point is to find a tried and true process in the REI game.. and commit to those processes! With your energy you'll find a deal in no time. I will actually be in New Orleans next Summer for a week. We should connect while I'm down!

  • Wholesaler · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2016 · 77 posts · 13 votes
    10y

    @Michael Enriquez glad to hear you made the impossible, possible. You just have to be an inspiration to those around you. Once they see you produce, they will, hopefully, want to produce. We cannot all grow up to be a lion, but someone still has to lead the pack(or pride if you prefer).

  • Wholesaler · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2016 · 77 posts · 13 votes
    10y

    @Nicholas Armstrong, sounds like a plan. We should definitely stay in touch. 

  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Michael Enriquez

    Tell me about it my friend..

    The amount of negativity is astounding in our age group.. I hear more about why "I cant" rather than "what I tried"

  • Real Estate Agent · Westboro, MA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 471 votes
    10y

    Hi @Nicholas Armstrong

    This is a fantastic idea! I am 25 and feel the next few years are crucial for me and starting at a young age building a portfolio is a great way to ensure financial success in the future. I think it is very overwhelming for many people to get started and not take action.. Initially they will be very excited about the idea then a few months they give up or say it was too hard. The process will take care of the results if you put the time in. I am learning daily and the first deal will be the most difficult but I won't make an offer if the numbers don't work for me. 

    @Michael Enriquez

    My peers as well tell me that being a landlord will be a terrible process since inevitably tenants will call at 2am with issues. But, this is also what scares most people and deters them from getting started. Daily I commit to the process by analyzing deals and now I am leaning about repairs for a property so I can have more accurate ARV numbers. There is so much to learn but we can't be afraid of the problems that will happen.

    @Johnquel Jones

    We have the same mindset which is great.  

  • Wholesaler/Real Estate Agent · Providence, RI · Member since 2014 · 75 posts · 19 votes
    10y

    awesome message... sometimes it's hard to remember quotes like that in the heat of everyday life but i completely agree that focusing on the process as opposed to the results is the best chance you have at success. i'm not quite in my 20's yet (19) but I'll definitely be subscribing to your channel...my channel name is The Investor Diaries so once I subscribe you'll know it's me haha. definitely glad i'm adding more young real estate entrepreneurs to my network. 

  • Rental Property Investor · Mount Vernon, NY · Member since 2016 · 89 posts · 125 votes
    10y

    @Steve Bracero Yes! Brandon Turner outlined it very clearly in his book on investing in rental properties. We can avoid the 2am calls by treating the management aspect as a business. This means setting up systems and rules. 

  • Realtor · Claremont, CA · Member since 2016 · 31 posts · 8 votes
    10y
    Nicholas Armstrong You're a boss brotha this is quality.
  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Steve Bracero

    Thanks! You're absolutely right, starting early will make a Profound difference in the future. Every single person I have talked to about REI has stated that they had wished they would have started earlier.. That should be a clue to us young folks!! lol

    Yes, sadly I've seen the "new shiny object" syndrome many times. Even colleagues of mine on bigger pockets! 6 months ago they were balls to the wall lets get 4 properties by the end of the year! Following up with how they're doing now they say that "life caught up to them" or they "could never catch a break" I feel sorry for them and their experience.. But when I ask how long they tried to find a deal and i'm replied with "a solid month man!"

    REALLY?

    In reality these people want instant gratification. If it takes longer than a month to land a deal they walk! 

    And you are spot on about not being afraid of problems my friend.

    But here's what "will be" investors need to understand..

    Problems happen to you even if you aren't in the Real estate investing game!! Might as well build financial freedom,  fortune and a legacy while doing it! Am I right?

  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Account Closed

    Thanks!
    Yes it is hard, my commitments are tested everyday to tell you the truth. But I am a serious believer in "the way you think, is the way you will feel."  I think (therefore feel) that problems prove progress. So when a problem or failure comes my way, I'm fist bumping myself because I know that it's just the growing pains of progress. 

    It's awesome to see a Sub 20 investor/entrepreneur on BiggerPockets! I wish I would have started earlier!

  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Weston Meckes

    Thanks Man! 

    I Hope I can encourage some young guns on here to get some things poppin! 

  • Investor · Santa Rosa, CA · Member since 2012 · 127 posts · 90 votes
    10y
    Nicholas Armstrong great post man!!! I say this exact thing to myself everyday, "screw daydreaming love the process". Now I am not saying I am better than anyone. But so many people have their eye on the top floor pent house suit, and won't spend 5 minutes grinding in the gutter! Like you said focus on the process, love the process! To your success bud!
  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y

    @Joseph Caracappa

    "Screw the daydreaming love the process"

    I love it.. I may have to steal that quote! Haha

  • Investor · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 2 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    I would tell them that the opportunities are out there but you have to WORK for them and educate yourself on how to take advantage of them! I was able to buy my first rental property (triplex) when I was 20 years old with a 3.5% down fha. All of my family and friends thought I was crazy but now 6 years later they are starting to get it.  Go to your local reia or similar meetings and talk to some experienced investors. Ask questions!  NO EXCUSES!!!

  • Investor · Saint Louis, MO · Member since 2016 · 970 posts · 1k+ votes
    10y

    Awesome read!

    committing to the process and less the results was something completely new to me and very eye opening! Super inspirational!

    I'm 26 and had no prior experience to real estate until Dec 2016 and I just randomly said screw it and bought a rental condo. Fast forward 8 months and now I own 6 rentals and working on a 7th!


    Keep up your attitude dude! you are going very far!

  • Little Neck, NY · Member since 2016 · 107 posts · 6 votes
    10y

    This is great. it's not about age.. it is truly about attitude. this can be done if you truly want it ! great stuff. 

  • Joe SplitrockPro Member
    Moderator
    Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
    10y

    @Nicholas Armstrong being in your 20's is a huge advantage. 

    In your youth, the world hasn't yet convinced you what you cannot do. If anyone thinks it gets easier as you get older, it doesn't. 

    As far as your friend, I don't think you can change their mindset. You may be too young for this movie reference, but my favorite quote on mindset comes from the movie Star Wars Empire Strikes Back. 

    Luke: You want the impossible. I don't... I don't believe it! Yoda: That is why you fail.
  • Investor/Syndicator · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2014 · 470 posts · 599 votes
    10y

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/08/04/millennials-change-us-economy/

  • Investor · Ada, OH · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 1 vote
    10y
    Nicholas Armstrong awesome post. I completely agree with you. I did my first flip at age 23 and regret walking away from real estate for such a long time. I have a 13 year old I just had read Rich Dad Poor Dad. I want him to get finance into his head. I want him to be successful and not working a job he hates. I agree the earlier you start the further ahead you are. Amazing job.
  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Loran Hickton:

    I would tell them that the opportunities are out there but you have to WORK for them and educate yourself on how to take advantage of them! I was able to buy my first rental property (triplex) when I was 20 years old with a 3.5% down fha. All of my family and friends thought I was crazy but now 6 years later they are starting to get it.  Go to your local reia or similar meetings and talk to some experienced investors. Ask questions!  NO EXCUSES!!!

    I absolutely agree! Going to your local REIA or similar meet-up is crucial..

    Increasing your exposure increases your opportunities!

  • Investor · Birmingham, AL · Member since 2015 · 254 posts · 136 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @David Zheng:

    Awesome read!

    committing to the process and less the results was something completely new to me and very eye opening! Super inspirational!

    I'm 26 and had no prior experience to real estate until Dec 2016 and I just randomly said screw it and bought a rental condo. Fast forward 8 months and now I own 6 rentals and working on a 7th!


    Keep up your attitude dude! you are going very far!

    I appreciate that,

    That's awesome! Keep up the hustle man

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.