Hey all, Patrick Riddle here.
So, not sure if you’ve heard this before, but it’s been said that…
“You are the same today as you will be in 5 years except for
two things: the books you read and the people you meet.”
Do you read good books regularly? Books that inspire, inform, educate? Books that challenge you to be, do and have more?
Let me tell you a story…
Growing up, I was never much of a reader. Any time I was supposed to read a book for school, I grabbed the Cliff Notes. I didn’t enjoy reading and didn’t feel like I was very good at it.
When I got into real estate investing, the first thing I did was venture into unknown territory: Barnes and Noble. I picked up a couple books, started reading one…
…and my life changed forever.
Reading real estate investing books led to personal development… and everything non-fiction I could get my hands on to learn more, become more.
I decided to become an avid reader (keyword “decided”). And over time, I started enjoying reading more and got better at it.
Since getting started in real estate investing, I’ve read hundreds of books (prob 400+)… on subjects such as:
- communication
- sales
- marketing
- management
- finance
- success
- mindset
- goal setting
- business development
…anything and everything that adds to the value I bring to the marketplace.
Do you think that’s had an impact on my success in my businesses and life?
You bet it has! BIG TIME!
I’m sharing all of this to say: become an avid reader. Make it a habit. Always have a good book at your side. It’ll change your life.
As Jim Rohn said:
“To reach higher levels of success, you must stand on the books you read.”
And what about the people you meet?
Remember, you’re the same person today as you’ll be in 5 years… except for the books you read AND the people you meet.
Are you meeting new people on a regular basis? People who are where you want to be, people who inspire you, people who can become team members for your business?
If not, why?
Does it make you uncomfortable?
Well, please excuse my directness, but… GET OVER IT!
Everything you want is on the other side of fear. And if you’re letting fear hold you back from meeting new positive people who can help build your REI team… you’re making a big mistake. Big. HUGE.
I’ve always said: “Real estate investing is a team sport.”
So, if you’re newer to investing and don’t know how to value a property yet, or negotiate and contract it, or put together a repair estimate, or research the title, it’s ok. That’s where your team comes in.
Look, if you want to grow a thriving real estate investing business, what books are you reading and which people are you meeting… on a consistent basis to make that happen?
That’s the question you need to ask yourself and answer…
So, here’s my challenge to you: decide what book you will start reading as soon as possible to make yourself more the person you want to be that’s congruent with the way you want to grow… the way you want to develop as a human.
It could be a business book, a personal development book, a faith book…
But take a few minutes, think about 1 book that you can commit to as your action step based on my email.
And, think about 1 thing you can do that you’re not already doing to meet someone… to bring someone new into your life… to connect with someone who will help boost you into the person you want to become.
Maybe you go to your local REIA group or send a message on an REI Facebook page or meet for coffee with a friend of a friend whose ideals and values align with yours…
Just take action. Now.
Get to it.