If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years of real estate investing, it is that you have to believe in yourself if you truly want to be successful. There are always turns in the road that you don’t expect, but usually that means success is just around the corner.
Years ago, when I first started investing in real estate, my boyfriend at the time was a real naysayer to my goals and dreams. At that time, I had recently come out of selling dump trucks for my family business. I wanted more for my life! I learned a few things about real estate investing and dove in headlong without looking back. I was sure I could succeed in this.
He was not so sure.
We spent months battling his lack of belief in me, and my resolve for my own ability to achieve my goals. So, I had had it! I was fed up and done with defending myself, and I kicked his bottom to the curb.
Thankfully, once he saw how serious I was, he made a big u-turn, apologized and has been supporting me ever since.
It was my fierce confidence and belief in myself that was the foundation for everything, including his eventual turnaround. And you need to believe in yourself too. Even if it feels like you’re faking it, do it. Tell your mind what it needs to think, and then step into the path to change your life forever.
Here are my five most critical steps for believing in yourself to achieve your real estate goals.
1. Doubt your doubts
We all have our doubts when we start something new, but keep your head up. Remember, there is no difference between you and everyone else who has succeeded. They are just farther along on the journey.
Tell the doubts that come to your mind that they are liars, and then keep moving forward with your goals.
2. Ignore the naysayers
It stinks, but it seems like a lot of people love to spread their doubts, fears, and lack of belief in success like a wildfire. You are going to have to “grow a backbone” to really push through the doubts that they will eagerly throw your way. These people will come, and usually they can even be pretty forceful with their opinions, but you don’t have to accept what they say.
Reject their words of doubt and fear, and welcome the work that is required to succeed in your goals.
3. Remind yourself that you can do this
Now that you know you have some doubts and naysayers, it is time to focus inward and really dig in deep. Remind yourself of why you are able to succeed with your goals. Write them down and put them everywhere you can see.
Focus on your strengths and character, the most critical pieces to your success. And be honest about the process and what it will take to truly achieve your goals.
4. Find your tribe
Since you know the naysayers and doubts will come, you need to surround yourself with people who can help encourage you forward. Find your tribe. Be intentional to connect with and look for other people who have succeeded in their goals and will encourage you in yours.
Find community and connections in your area, or online. Do the work to find others who will speak encouragement when needed, and sometimes hard truths. These people will grow to become a lifeline for your success.
5. Take action
While belief and confidence are both very good things, they cannot replace the value of getting to work. If you truly believe in yourself, you will also follow that belief with action. A lack of action surrounded by a ton of belief is really just a feel-good idea. If you are serious about your goals, and achieving them, you need to now get up and get moving to bring them to life!
Get educated on your strategies, make a plan and find others who have gone before you and succeeded. Mentors are worth their weight in gold, especially when it comes to getting you to take action and move forward!
It takes work and intention to believe in yourself, especially when the twists and turns come. But there is nothing like succeeding when you overcome your obstacles. The incredible joy and thrill that it gives is worth everything you struggle through.
So believe in yourself, and never stop. Now, get to work and go achieve your goals!
Whitney Nicely is the queen of real estate in east Tennessee. All Real Estate, All the Time with Whitney Nicely is a podcast to learn about flipping, flopping, listing, buying and investing. Follow her on Instagram @WhitneyBuysHouses or Facebook.
