Staying Motivated Over the Long Haul

Investing is a marathon. Our long term success is dependent on the sum of every decision we make over a lifetime. Especially for the part time investor, it is easy to get pumped up immediately before and after each purchase. However, like a circadian rhythm, the motivation ebbs in the following months. Investors must build a process in their own life to keep on the path towards prosperity. 4 simple steps, when implemented, will help us reach our goals in a more efficient way! 

1. Write out 30, 60 and 90 day goals. 

Writing goals down drastically increases the likelihood that steps will be taken to accomplish them. It is easy to talk about long term goals in the abstract when asked. However, when push comes to shove, the temptation to take the path of least resistance may be too irresistible. Long term goals are important, but having goals where the needle moves more quickly will reinforce wealth-building activities. 

2. Focus on the Process

It is easy to talk about the results we want to see. However, the importance of the process is often neglected. Results are a sum of each and every process utilized. By focusing on consistent and results-oriented processes, the results will take care of themselves. An example of a results oriented approach would be buying 2 duplexes in the next quarter. A process-focused approach would be analyzing 5 deals a day and making 1 offer a week. The long term goal is not a collection of offers, but a collection of properties. However, attention and focus must be put into the actions that will actually get you there. 

3. Put Tasks into Your Calendar

If your goal is to analyze 5 properties a day, actually carve a slot of time out in your schedule specifically for this task. When crunched for time with a purely mental schedule, the tasks that appear to be less time critical will fall off our radar. I am guilty of this. However, when we write down the tasks that we need to accomplish (and these tasks should be the processes discussed in step 2) we are exponentially more likely to actually do them!

4. Find Balance in Life

Any process is unsustainable unless we have balance in our lives. You may be able to sustain a pace for months, or maybe even years. But, investing is a lifetime activity, and there will inevitably be some drop off unless you find balance in life. This balance could be ensuring that you spend some time with family and ensuring they are on board with your investing plans. It could also be finding time to unplug and reflect on your personal "Why." Whatever helps you recharge, it is imperative that you keep that built into your life. 

Investing is a marathon. Keep running in the right direction at a smooth and steady pace and you will find yourself with a substantial wealth position in the long term! Keep pressing!