As a real estate investor and mindset coach, I truly understand the challenges that come with navigating uncertain and challenging times. In today’s climate, so many investors are facing really big obstacles, and this can easily lead to feelings of frustration and demotivation (just to name a couple). However, it’s during these challenging times that our mindset becomes our most powerful asset and we need to utilize it in order to continue moving forward. In this blog post I will share tools and strategies to enhance resilience for real estate investors, helping you stay focused on your goals and feel motivated even in the face of adversity.
Let’s address the elephant in the room – it’s crazy out there right now! The current challenges in the real estate investing market, whether it’s increased interest rates, lengthy delays in projects, or losing our hard earned money, it’s clear that we are dealing with significant obstacles right now. There is no doubt about that. So, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and/or discouraged by these challenges, and sometimes even want to just give up.
At times like this, it’s really important to remember that these are temporary setbacks (this too shall pass) and if we really want to build success and create that beautiful life for ourselves and our families, then we must learn how to be resourceful through the challenges so that nothing stops us!
Let’s Talk About Resilience – resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and if you look at all of the investors that you admire, it’s a trait that they possess. They have to in order to be successful. One way to cultivate resilience is through mindfulness practices. I know many busy people feel they don’t have time for this “stuff” but I promise you, it is the very thing that makes a difference between those who are successful and those who are mediocre. When we take time to build our inner world, we then have the capacity to manage the stressful things that life throws us. We are starting from a more centered space. When we don’t take care of this, then the stress builds and builds and builds up, so that one extra thing that happens, BOOM, that’s it – you can’t take it anymore! And then you give up or you lash out on someone you care about or a partner or a whoever is closest to you. It’s not professional, it’s not relationship building and it does not allow you to stay in this for the long haul. It is the opposite of resilience. On the other hand, by taking time each day to meditate or do guided visualizations, practice deep breathing exercises or be in nature (it’s not so much what you do but your intention behind it), doing that helps to calm your mind and build your mental strength.
Another really important aspect of resilience is positive self talk. We can be our own worst enemies, and have a dialogue going on in our minds that sabotages our ability to feel happy, at peace or resourcesful at all. Pay close attention to your self talk. It can be sneaky and it is very very powerful! Lastly, surrounding yourself with a supportive network of other investors (like this amazing Savvy Investor community!) is so important so that you aren’t feeling alone. We can lift each other up, provide encouragement when needed so that together, we continue to move forward towards our goals and dreams in spite of the challenges in front of us.
Let’s Talk About Goals – It is so important to have clear goals, but at times like this, that isn’t enough! Even more than having the goal itself is having an emotional connection to that goal. It’s the emotional connection to your goal that allows you to feel excited, motivated and inspired to continue on towards it, even when it isn’t easy (and we all know, it isn’t always easy!). When you just simply your goals down, they can often just be words on a piece of paper, kind of empty. Even a vision board, without an emotional connection, is just a compilation of pretty thing to look at. But when you feel it….when you imagine how good it will feel to actually achieve it….what is that moment in time when you realize, WOW, I did it!, what’s going on around you at that moment, who is with you, what do you see, hear, smell…..imagine every single detail until all of a sudden you can feel it….that is what drives actually us forward towards our goals, even when things get tough! Having the deep desire to experience that out there in the future, and connecting with it often is what has us getting up and going after it day after day, because we want that life that is out there for us!
Let’s Talk About Solutions: When we are facing a challenge, it’s not always easy to be solution focused. We have a challenge, it’s really hard and we can get stuck focusing on that. But as long as we are focused on the problem, we cannot be moving towards solution. It’s really important to shift our thoughts over from the problem to the solution. This is where the daily practices I mentioned earlier come into play, because you need to be in a resourceful state in order to have the mental strength to shift your focus. The challenge happened and you likely cannot change what is. So….what can you do? What control do you have? What options do you have? Here’s something that’s not always easy to accept, but is the truth – You always have choice – you may not like the choices that you have, but you do have a choice. When we are willing to accept this and then look at what your actual choices are, you can then begin figure out your path forwards. Staying focused on the problem keeps you stuck. Being solutions focused obviously moves you towards solution. Seems simple, right? Maybe easier said than done, but so incredibly important!
Let’s Talk About Self-Care – I know you’re going to roll your eyes at me. Self care, blah blah. But honestly, it’s like putting the oxygen mask on first. And when we feel like we don’t have time is exactly the time we need it most! If you aren’t looking after yourself, you will not be able to manage the stress you are under when challenges arise. It is critical to look after your physical and your mental well-being. Make sure to block off time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s exercising, pursuing hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.
Remember that investing in your own well-being is just as important as investing in your business.
Melanie Robinson is SAVVY INVESTOR’S MINDSET LEADER
