Applying Principles from “As a Man Thinketh” to Real Estate Investing
There is an excellent little book that dispenses loads of wisdom called “As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen. If you haven’t read it, go buy the book immediately! It’s a VERY easy and quick read and every sentence is like a seminar. I often find myself having to put the book down to internalize the enormity of what’s being said.
I read it about once a year and luckily, one of my good buddies was talking about it the other day which motivated me to pick it up and read it again.
I’d like to share a few quotes from the book and see how we can relate them to real estate investing . . .
“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”
There are tons of people out there that talk about wanting more out of life, talk about pursuing their dreams “one day,” but very few actually take action and do something about it. Most of these people want something for nothing. They want to continue being the same person they’ve always been, do the same things they’ve always done . . . and want and EXPECT different results. How ridiculous is that! This reminds me of a quote from America’s foremost business philosopher Jim Rohn . . . “For things to change, you have to change.”
What are you actively doing to improve yourself? What books are you reading? What goals have you set? With whom are you associating? Do these people build you up or tear you down?
“Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”
If you’re doing the things that it takes to be a real estate investor, like calling sellers, networking with other investors, getting your marketing plan off the ground, making offers, etc, you are a real estate investor and will be closing deals and making money in no time! But if all you’re doing is reading “about” real estate investing and “wanting” to become an investor, you’re going to become what we call an AFW . . . Average Frustrated Wannabe. You’ll be making the mistake of simply wanting rather than becoming a real estate investor.
By taking the actions real estate investors exercise daily, you become one. What does your action plan currently look like? What are you doing today, tomorrow, and next week that will put you on the path towards closing deals and making money?
“Men imagine that thought can be kept secret, but it cannot; it rapidly crystallizes into habit, and habit solidifies into circumstance.”
The dominating thoughts in your mind have gotten you to where you are today. If you don’t like your current circumstances, change the way you think. The quickest pathway to success is to model those who have succeeded before you. Study their lives, habits, and beliefs and adopt their ways as your own.
Change your thoughts and you’ll change your habits. Change your habits and you’ll change your circumstances.
. . . and as surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, you will find your circumstances improved commensurate to the effort you expend towards applying this timeless wisdom.
I urge you to read this book. There is a lot more where these nuggets came from . . . Enjoy!
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Patrick Riddle:
Dusty Keefe:
Great post! I’m reading the book now!
That’s the kind of action I like to see Chris! Let me know what you think of the book . . .
Great stuff. Nice to read some well written posts. A long way between them.
Wow, that seems like a really good reading material. The few quotes you’ve shared are really full of meaning. I would definitely have to go and get a copy of this. Thanks!
Patrick I don’t know how you get the people to invest in private money.Every body I ask won’t get in because they are afraid of not getting their money back.