Is Fear Holding You Back?
Thursday, September 22, 2011
I recently had the pleasure of talking with another REALTOR® outside of our office who is struggling with the idea that maybe real estate is not what they should be doing for a living. Today, this is not an uncommon topic of discussion. But is fear also causing you to second guess whether you should buy or sell real estate?
It is true we are presently living in turbulent times. As of late, many of us have witnessed our savings and retirement funds shrinking, real estate sales remain somewhat stagnant and century old banks have disappeared. But we are also blessed with having record low interest rates and properties being offered for sale at prices not seen in the last 5 -6 years!
The media has bombarded us with the negative happenings in our world economy, instilling uncertainty in all of our lives. Can you guess which emotion uncertainty breeds?... FEAR
Fear can be a paralyzing emotion. Sometimes referred to as the “mental monster,” fear can suck the life out of us. It is an emotion that often causes us to stop dead in our tracks, even when we know it is best to move forward.
Have you ever watched a sporting event where the “under dog” is winning the game, and then becomes conservative in their approach to the game? While being bold got them ahead, they shift their game plan to be conservative in the hopes of ‘hanging on’ for a win. But then, more often than not, they lose because they became too conservative and lost their ‘edge’.
Unfortunately, many people become like the abovementioned ‘under dog’, and in times of uncertainty will also:
◊ Look at the obstacles instead of the opportunities.
◊ Look at potential loss instead of potential growth.
◊ Start to work from a position of scarcity rather than a position of abundance.
◊ Will focus on the risks and play defense, instead of going on the offensive and win!
There is no question that these are unprecedented times, however this is not the time to sit back and go on the defensive. Now is time to build your real estate portfolio and position yourself to reap the benefits when our economy gets on a roll again!
Lance Armstrong, winner of a record 7 Tour de France titles, didn’t make up time against his competitors going downhill, he made up time, and more importantly, pulled ahead, when the challenge got tough; going uphill when other riders were struggling just to maintain.
There is no question that we need to face reality as it is… not as we wish it were, and we need to accept “what is” without resistance. However we need to focus on the opportunities rather than the challenges and play to win rather than not play at all.
Step up to the challenge and make the balance of this year, and, coming soon… 2012, count!!
- Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Atlanta Real Estate News