People who want to invest often tell me the same thing: they are not reaching their goals because they think they do not have enough money.

Does this sound like you? Did you notice that I used the word “think” above? This is because if you are one of those people who think you have no money, I am going to open the door that you do.

I want to tell you this: You have much more money than you think you have. You must focus on possibility rather than on lack.

Don’t get me wrong. I understand that when I have $100,000 sitting in the bank, I feel much more powerful and less stressed about my bills. When I get down to $10,000 in my savings account, I feel a little bit of nervous pressure too.

But I know that I have two choices about my reaction to this stress: I can give up, or I can use it as motivation. Personally, I use it to fuel my drive to make deals, tackle the marketing, build relationships, and make money.

Think about the facts. When we use the wholesale process, we need very little money—sometimes, we can even buy a house with no earnest or consideration money. Yes, we do need a $500 or $1000 dollar check when we deal with a realtor, HUD, FHA, or Freddie Mac, but we can also work directly with the seller.

But, you say, “Russ, I really have no cash. How can you say that I can do this?” You can do this because I can help you. I’ve been in the business, and I know the tools.

Here’s the deal. When you become passionate, when you focus on your dreams, you are ready to take action. You can get where you want to go. The successful person focuses on what they want, not what they don’t have.

But just making the decision that you want to succeed is not enough. You have to get the momentum rolling. You must take the steps that will teach you to work smarter and to work the system.

The Secrets to Success

The secrets to success are not really secret. First, successful leaders in the real estate industry do not make excuses, and they do not take excuses.  

Second, to have money, you must save money. And now I know you are saying, “Ok, Russ, now you’re really talking crazy. How can I possibly save money if I don’t have it? The kids need shoes and school supplies and…and…and…and…”

I say, when you want something badly enough, you can find places to save money—money that you already have. You could: Stop smoking. Bring your lunch to work. Drink coffee that you make at home. Carpool. Cut your cable bill. Have your children get a job and pay their own car insurance. Cancel a magazine subscription. Turn down your thermostat. Buy $50 running shoes, not $150 running shoes. Buy store brand foods and products. Use coupons. The list is endless…. Just eating less meat can cut your grocery bill by 1/3 AND help you to feel better. Go out for dessert and coffee instead of a whole meal. Don’t get popcorn at the movies. Be creative. It’s YOUR money. Use it wisely. Will it be popcorn and a soda or an extra check from the rent you can earn from a property you bought?

Lack of money is simply a story. It is a story that you have made up and that you tell yourself. It is not true. People who have the money you want have simply learned how to think in possibility, not in lack.

Turn It Around

So let’s get back to your fear about money, about the phrase that runs through your head: “I don’t have enough money to do this.” Now, let’s turn that around and say,

“I can make a career change, get out of the rat race…I want to live the good life. I want to live THIS life.”

Let’s change even that phrase. Don’t just WANT the good life. Try saying this instead: “I DESERVE to live the good life.”

What is getting in YOUR way?

What are you doing to keep money from entering your life? Are you telling yourself that you don’t know how? That you are too tired? That you lack organization? That you lack focus and self -discipline?

What if I tell you that these are more stories that you are telling yourself?  I can assure you that any excuse will do. Until you decide that your best life is worth having, that life cannot not show up.  

Let me give you an example. Have you ever noticed that when you are about to take a trip you can accomplish a lot in a short amount of time? That just a bit more money shows up that you can use to buy another gallon of gas? This is because your clarity, your focus, your energy all allow you to zoom in on the most important things, and those are the ones which get done….the excuses fall by the wayside because you have a clear goal.

So… back to the money….

Let me ask you–if you had $2,000 right now, what would you do with it? Buy new shoes, go out to dinner, get a new tv? If this meets what you want in your life, if it fulfills your life purpose, then enjoy those shoes. Personally, I would invest because I am paying my bills, I have plenty of shoes, and I like to have my money working for me, not me working for money.

What about you? I want to give you Russ’s Challenge: Find $100!

No—not on the curb. Look in your own pocket. If you buy a latte every work day, 5 days a week, you might spend $80-100 a month! Make some coffee at home! Put it in a cup with a lid, and go out there and get a wholesale deal. Get focused or sip your latte. It’s your choice!

What is your purpose, your “why” for doing things?

Is it your family? Do you want to see your children get good educations, be able to participate in sports, go on vacations? Do you want to live in a nice house in a neighborhood where you feel safe? Do you want to drive a nice car?

Then DO IT. Read, get an education, down load motivation materials. Talk to me about being your coach. Success is not an accident!

People who know WHY they do what they do and WHAT they want to do take action. They know what their “why” is.

So, Russ, How Can You Help Me?

I want to make a difference in your life. I want to help you to find your purpose, to find your “why.” I am a giver. I enjoy seeing other people succeed.  I enjoy supporting others who want to make their life better, grow, share their successes.  I am energized by new ideas, creative difference, and play. I am energized when I see people improve their lives.

How can you help yourself?

You can start by joining me and other successful investors at my Creative Deal Structuring Subgroup. Let me coach you to learn the market and find your niche!

I am looking forward to meeting you and helping you on your way to a successful 2015!