One of my core beliefs is that “Everything happens for a reason and it serves me.”
As a result, I tend to find metaphors and lessons in everything. Everything.
On a recent vacation to Hawaii, I found yet another lesson relevant to apartment entrepreneurship. This time it came in the act of hiking the mountains.
The goal was the peak of the highest point of the mountain ridge of Oahu.
Occupied by a cell phone tower which services the island, this peak offered a view of the ever-reaching Pacific on both sides of the island – windward and leeward. Certainly a goal worthy of achievement.
The hike was very akin to the journey of real estate entrepreneurship. The trail started off looking very easy. In fact, the entrance to the trail was actually paved for the first 200 yards – the lure to enticing the mildly interested.
“No problem“, says the Little Voice. “This can’t be too tough.”
After the first 200 yards, the pavement turned to gravel and the grade increased. Not enough of a challenge to turn anyone back but now the Little Voice starts to inquire about the real intent here… “Hey, just how long is this journey anyway?”
And of course, the goal – the summit – could not be seen. And the length of the journey was unknown. But we progressed on.
On the way up, we encountered people who were on the way back from the top. When asked if they made it, some said “Yes” and some said, “Not quite”.
But we continued.
As the grade increased, ultimately the gravel gave way to dirt. The heat and the challenge started the Little Voice to chattering a little louder, “How long is this going to take? What if we don’t have enough water?”
And this is where the mindset training comes into play.
You see, my wife is not much of a hiker but she believes in me and was open to coaching. So to counter her Little Voice, I told her, “Honey, just take it 1 step at a time. You can do anything 1 step at a time.” And so she continued.
When the goal finally made itself visible – the cell phone tower at a distant height – the Litte Voice started screaming, “Hey, no one told us it was it was going to be this far. Our water is really getting low. It’s getting hotter out here. Wouldn’t it be nice sitting by the pool instead? This is good enough.”
But we continued 1 step at a time.
This journey to the top of the mountain is just like starting your new real estate business. Discovering the challenges that were not mentioned in the sales pitch. All that was told was the beautiful view at the top and they showed photos of the paved trail at the entrance.
Many – correction, most – turn back with the first obstacle. They succumb to the Little Voice. Those 5%, with the proper mindset conditioning, progress – 1 step at a time.
Living in the moment and acting in faith.
In the above video, you can see my family spread along the trail – with the summit in site. This is after probably 2 miles of hiking. And I pan back to show the origin of the journey.
Taking 1 step at a time.
This story continues in Part 2.
Aloha,
Lance
3 Responses to Apartment Investing – One Step at a Time (Part 1 of 3)
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SECURE AND CONFIDENTIAL
This very true, you just need to press on, no matter what. I tell my family failure is not an option, never give up as success is just around the corner. Just one more try.
Rich in Philly
If it were easy…there would be no money involved. It thins out at the top. The man who says he can and the man who says he can’t, are both right. As Lance says, one step at a time. Stake your claim.
David in So Ca
went one door is closed,another one is open every thing in life is atest.keep teaching us how tothink and grow rice god peaceandblessing shine onyou and yourfamileyyour brother and se rvant of god bilal the healer.