Download Take Time to Celebrate the Good Things

Happy Thanksgiving
November 2010
It is the time of year that most of us start taking inventory of the things in our lives
that we are grateful for. Hopefully you have much to be thankful for, and many
great family members and friends to share your blessings with.
Over the twenty-five years that I’ve been focusing on the education and
networking needs of CCIA members, I have seem many grow and “graduate”.
They have come, learned, prospered, and retired. I’m sure there are many that
just disappeared as they reached their goals, but some call to share, or to ask for
some advice on the transition. I always love hearing their stories. Some have
done it as a side job, others as a full time pursuit. They come from all walks of
life, and all educational backgrounds, but all have managed to find financial
freedom through their real estate investments. Having the opportunity to make a
positive difference in peoples’ lives is one of the things that I am very thankful
for.
Today, as we approach Thanksgiving, I'd like to talk a little "turkey" with
you. While turkeys are tasty birds, the term is also associated with human
"turkeys" and the saying - "It's difficult to soar like an eagle when you are
surrounded by turkeys"!
Do you spend your time associating with "turkeys"? Negative people?
People who doubt you can reach your goals? People who doubt that real estate
is the way to get ahead? Are you beginning to think they may be right? These
people are holding you back!
Find the positive thinkers in your life and spend your time with
them. Share your dreams, your goals and your ideas. These folks will
encourage you to take the necessary steps to be successful. Find people that
can motivate you, encourage you, help you excel and make you feel good about
yourself. If you're trying to be a successful real estate investor, a good place to
look for like-minded, positive individuals is your local real estate investor group that's us!
Look in the mirror. Do you see a "turkey" or an eagle? Do you need an attitude
adjustment? All of us do at times! Do you encourage your spouse, your
children, your business partners and your friends to dream, set goals and
achieve? Or are you holding them back? Our ability to achieve depends in large
part on our attitude and our sense of self-worth. If you believe, you can achieve!
Flip the switch and think positive. It's a great time to be a real estate investor.
Another thing I'm thankful for this year is our current real estate market.
The drop in prices over the past few years is creating a market filled with
opportunity. The biggest opportunity that I see with falling prices is that more
properties make sense. More properties in better areas will cover their expenses
and give you a return on your investment. You can more easily find properties
that can be rehabbed and sold - or leased at a profit. Your focus needs to be on
finding properties that make sense. Is my cash flow better off if I buy it? Is my
bank account better off if I buy it? Be grateful for our current market. Gratitude
helps you shift your focus from problems, frustrations, and worry to the things
you should be focusing on - the things you want to spend your energy on.
Many of my most successful friends are avid readers. There are many
wonderful books on success, motivation and mindset. It is no accident that these
folks are positive and successful. They work hard and plan for success by
setting goals and knowing they are going to achieve them. You can too!
Have a great holiday, eat your turkey and make up your mind to soar with
the eagles.
We’ll see you at the next CCIA meeting.
M. Jane Garvey