In the March 2011 edition of success magazine a short article written by Mel Robbins – a syndicated radio host, TV Commentator and relationship expert – stopped me in my tracks. The article is titled “Lean IN” and is worth the price of the magazine.
It begins with the story of a man whose life has fallen apart and he has one of those light bulb moments, realizing that something has to change. He begins with his biggest fear, the fear of heights and finds himself in an airplane strapped to a sky diving instructor. The greatest realization of his life comes when he does not jump from the plane, but rather “leans IN” to the open sky.
Mel Robbins points out, “You think you have to figure it all out before you take a step. Instead, lean in…What matters is that you push through your feelings and start moving. Take action and lean in toward what you want without regard for how it will look or turn out. You don’t need to take a massive leap. All you need to do is “lean IN” and see what happens next. Make that tiny push, and then let gravity pull you through.”
I am a massive action kind of person. When I do something I want to do it big and all at once. This small article was a light bulb moment for me. Not just for my own life, but also for the way I mentor others. I like being fearless. When I am fearless I feel strong, and that feels good. The problem is that being fearless takes massive amounts of energy and control. When life throws me a curve ball, the struggle to keep my footing and continue to move forward is epic. Then, I am in danger of losing all momentum.
Something I have always known stands out now as perhaps the singular most important component of success, the ability to “lean IN”, to take small incremental actions through thick and thin that keep you moving consistently toward your goals. You don’t have to have the whole road mapped out. You don’t have to rally all your resources, talents and desires BEFORE you take the first step. All you have to do is determine the general direction you need to go and “lean IN.”
When I mentor others regarding real estate investing, I focus on getting them to buy that first property because I know that once they buy the first rental they will be hooked and buying the next will be easier and the next after that even easier. The problem is that it can take months, even years to mentor someone to that first purchase. Now I see that the most helpful thing I can do for those who come to me for mentoring is to teach them how to “lean IN.”
“Lean IN” to Real Estate Investing:
Put a networking date on your calendar
Don’t let anything prevent you from showing up to that event. If you get anxious and uneasy after the first 15 minutes you can leave; but make yourself get dressed, get in the car, drive, park, walk through the door, put on your name badge and say hello to at least 3 people first. Before you go, make a short list of 5 conversation starter questions. Commit to using 3 of them before you give yourself permission to leave the event. Smile and try to look like you are enjoying yourself! Gravity will do the rest. The people you talk to will appreciate your ability to get the conversation started and the night will flow.
Invest In Yourself
What one thing could you learn to help you be successful as a real estate investor? Look for seminars or topical meetings on that area and “lean IN.” Arrive a little early and see if you can talk to 3 people before the event begins. Take notes and ask questions. There are no stupid questions, for every question that gets asked there are dozens of other people who had the same question but were afraid to raise their hand. Stay after and talk with the speakers or just listen to the questions other people are asking and the answers. Read your notes again the following day, and share what you learned with someone else. This reinforces your new found knowledge and increases the probability that you will take further action.
Learn How To Evaluate Properties
Attend classes, work with a mentor, attend a road trip so you can walk properties with experts. The Lifestyles Unlimited® Education and Mentoring Program provides easy access to all these activities. If you are already a member take a look at the online calendar and plan to attend the next event. If you are not a member, sign up for a free workshop and commit to attending. “lean IN”, it will change your life!
The gentleman we discussed at the beginning of this article took massive action to overcome his fear of heights only to realize that all he needed to do to have everything he wants out of life is to “lean IN”. None of us can sustain the massive action necessary to overcome all our fears. We can ALL realize the lifestyle we dream of, turning those dreams into reality, by leaning IN” every day, taking the small steps along the road to real estate investing success!
