Not all that long ago, I was going through a very difficult time in my life. I felt like my career was in chaos - out of control. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do or how to even figure it out. My mind felt so scattered. Whenever I tried to set goals, I didn't even know where to begin. I couldn't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I was speaking to a friend about my chaotic mind and she said something very simple to me. She said "It starts with you Jenn. Things are chaotic because your thoughts are chaotic. If you want this to change, it's simple. Change within. Once you stop being chaotic on the inside, things will come into focus on the outside."
That was the turning point. She was right. I needed to simply decide what I wanted to do, and set things in motion to get it done. Sounds impossibly simple, right?
It is! Our outside world, is a direct reflection of what is going on inside of us. If your thoughts are scattered and unsure, they will create uncertainty.
For example, is there an area of your life that you want to change, but you just can't seem to make a change happen? Take a look at your thoughts, and where you are focusing your energy. Energy flows where attention goes. So if your attention is scattered and unfocused, you won't be able to put focused energy toward anything.
Once you clear your mind and focus on what you want, your energy has a clear path to flow in that direction.
Ask yourself, "what direction do I want to go?" Answer that question clearly and precisely and you will have a starting point. Once you have a clear starting point, you will begin to see possibilities opening up in front of you.
Exercise
Think about a situation in your life that you want to change. Write an in-depth description of the situation. Look over your written description. Do you have a focused, clear picture of the situation, or are your thoughts going in different directions regarding the situation? Write down your answers to these questions: Why do you want to change the situation? What ideas do you have to change the situation? Are your ideas working? If not, are you putting action behind your ideas?
The "why" behind changing the situation should be your motivating factor. If your why isn't strong enough, you won't be motivated to change. For example, when I started my own business, my "why" was so that I could have a flexible schedule to be available for my daughter. That is a very strong why for me and very motivating. Your why should be enough to spark action.
The other important thing to look at in this exercise is the action you are taking. You can want to change your situation very much, but without action, you will continue to create the exact same situation. Ask yourself "what small action can I take right now to take control of this situation and begin changing it?" Any action, no matter how small, will get your energy moving in the direction of the change you wish to create.
Your thoughts are very powerful. Get them focused, get them in line with the changes you wish to create, and you can do amazing things!
Can't Always Get What You Want
This year I had some pretty aggressive goals - both personally and professionally. Personally I wanted to lose at least 50 lbs and be able to run a 5K. Well, since March I have lost 68 lbs and I can easily run 3 miles. I focused hard on my fitness this year and it really paid off.
Professionally I wanted to generate a minimum of $100,000 in residential loan commissions and break into commercial deals. The residential commission goal was achieved and in July, I closed my first commercial deal - an apartment building loan for a client in California.
The reason I tell you this is to emphasize the importance of goals. I'm a big believer in setting goals. I'm also a believer in tracking your progress on a monthly basis against your big goals. Sometimes I even track weekly. That way I always know exactly where I am and what I need to focus on. And focus is what creates momentum and profits!
Goals are important in every area of life but I think that they are essential for the real estate investor. Here are a few sure fire rules for success:
Set Specific Goals
Decide exactly where you want to go in your real estate career and make a written plan of how and when you will arrive there. The goals must be written, they must be specific and you must be committed to them to ensure success.
Make Your Goals Positive and Specific
Such as: I will buy a 3 unit apartment building by October 10, 2007 or I will have a net worth of $1,000,000 by July 30, 2007. Set goals in short-time blocks. I like to set weekly goals. Then roll them into monthly, quarterly and annual goals.
Commitment
After writing your goals, emotionally charge them by a special commitment to their attainment. I have a signed, framed certificate that has a certain personal goal on it. I look at it often and when I see my signature committing to that goal it really keeps me focused.
Knowledge is Power
Obviously before you get too involved in the real estate game, you need to have at least a fundamental understanding of the rules. There are a ton of resources out there today to help you gain the knowledge you need to be successful. Just make sure you choose your "gurus" well and don't get overcome by analysis paralysis.
Actionize Knowledge
Use the knowledge as you learn it. Talk to people who are successful doing what you want to do and absorb their financial wisdom. Utilize all those with whom you come into contact with to gain more knowledge.
Knowledge is the link between where you are now and your future fortune.
Both Jenn Givler & Susan Lassiter-lyons are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jenn Givler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Marketing. Jenn Givler is an Empowerment Coach who helps women entrepreneurs and women on the verge of entrepreneurship gain clarity about their business and exceed their business goals. Get her free e-book Be Empowered!. Jenn Givler's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Susan Lassiter-lyons has sinced written about articles on various topics from Property Investment, Mortgage and Finances. Susan Lassiter-Lyons is the broker/owner of Lassiter Mortgage Group, specializing in financing for real estate investors. Visit
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