Do you have the mindset of an Olympian?

Are you enjoying the Olympics? I sure am. The athletes are incredible, full of grit and determination and perseverance. They face constant adversity and enormous challenges every step of the way in becoming world-class competitors. They don’t give up. The word ‘failure’ is not in their vocabulary.

How about you?

Do you have what it takes to win? Are you a ‘never-gonna-give-up’ type? If you are, then congratulations. You will not fail, because failure, by definition, can only happen when you quit. If you continue to push forward to succeed in whatever it is you are doing, whether it’s starting a real estate investment business, or becoming a star short-track speed skater a’ la Apolo Ohno, you can succeed if you never stop trying.

Ok so maybe you aren’t going to win a medal in Vancouver. But more than likely that isn’t your passion anyway. Your drive to succeed is based on other factors, desires that are a little more basic. Your goals probably have to do with making money, supporting yourself and your family, being independent and becoming financially free. These goals might not be as lofty as those of our American Olympic team members, but they are no less important. And the good news is that they are undeniably achievable.

Sure there are pitfalls along the way. You may start a business that never really gets off the ground. You thought it was a great idea and would be your ticket to independence. Well, guess what? Things don’t always work out as planned. So take a deep breath, do a reality check, strap on your skates, get back out there and do it again. If you quit, you have failed. If you keep at it, you can only succeed. Winners never quit and quitters never win, right?

It’s not that we don’t want to “Go For the Gold” in our lives. It’s just that we are generally too lazy to succeed. Let’s face it; being lazy is so darn easy! If reaching our goals was straight-forward and undemanding, everyone would do it!

Curtis Mayfield sang a song called “Keep on Keepin’ On”. Download that baby to your IPOD and listen to it when you start having ‘quitters’ thoughts creep into your head. The mantra of never giving up has to be part of your life, part of your day, part of your DNA. Otherwise it’s too easy to stop and say, “Oh well, I’ve given it a shot but it’s not happening quickly enough for me-- I’m outta here”. I hope that doesn’t sound familiar. If it does, then go watch the Olympics. You are sure to be inspired by the exceptional athletes and their awesome skills. They work extremely hard for their success, and they never stop reaching for their goals.

Please write me at dberens@roadrunner.com with any comments regarding this article, or your real estae business in general.

Dave