Greetings Everyone,
There was a time, not too long ago that I thought that people who intentionally chose not to keep a Television in their home were absolutely weird.
I felt that if someone had the financial means to own a TV, they should. No questions asked.
Whenever I came across the occasional person who did not own one, by default, I thought that they were some sort of hippie. I could not understand why someone would chose NOT to have a TV.
Over the years, the more I stared to network with successful real estate investors and successful people in general, and the more I started to learn about their habits. As such, it started to become clear to me why some people don’t chose to own a television set.
A common belief that these successful people would express was that,
“There is no shortcut to success.”
Because there is no shortcut to success, one has to use up all of the time in their day very wisely. Afterall, there is an equal amount of time in the day for every single person.
It goes without saying that most real estate investors, and aspiring real estate investors are ‘cut from the same mold.’
These are people that generally try to overachieve and obtain ‘more’ than they currently have.
When you look at the population on the whole, these people are definitely in the minority. In fact, it is not uncommon that these people feel that they are outcasts.
Personally, I feel like an outcast a lot of the time, as my level of motivation and overall ambition is quite high. This often intimidates people, OR, this makes people think that something may be wrong with me…
Have no fear my fellow and aspiring highly motivated real estate investors because,
It’s Okay To Be Weird
So much of whether we become successful as real estate investors, or not, depends on how we are using our spare time.
In order to achieve success, we always have to be making the decision to work during our spare time, as opposed to relaxing during this spare time.
It is obviously okay to relax now and then, but if you are always relaxing and never working, success is not just going to fall into you lap while you are on the couch.
My fellow blogger and real estate investor, John Fedro, a.k.a. J-Fed, hit the nail right on the head with a blog post earlier this week on this very topic.
J-Fed is a hard working man and because of his hard work, he has realized much success investing in mobile homes. I really encourage you to read his thought provoking article titled, What Will You Do For Success In Real Estate?
So what do you think? Are there any exceptions to the rule? Does success only come to those who work hard? Or, do you know of a shortcut to achieve success?
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Great post, Neil! It’s funny because I never really made a conscious choice to stop watching television, but it naturally happened because there’s simply no time! I do however use my DVR to record 3 of my favorite shows so I can watch them at my convenience. The only conscious choice regarding television that I made was to avoid watching the news at all costs.
Last night I watched the news to see what’s going on with the healthcare reform vote, but I can’t even remember the last time that I watched before then….LOL! When something major is happening, I tend to find out from facebook, Twitter, or overhearing conversations while I’m out and about.
Hi Shae,
I am much like yourself. I didn’t make a conscious decision to stop watching either. I found that I was so busy with other things, that there simply wasn’t enough time left to watch TV.
I have not given it up completely though, as I will sometimes watch real estate related shows in my down time.
Also I need to invest in a DVR so that I can record my favourite show, ’24’, and watch it when I have time. 🙂
I think I already told you this Neil, but I’ve yet to buy a TV. At many points in my life I’ve had a TV in my home but it was always an old one that was a hand me down. When I lived on my own I never had cable… I rented Sex in the City on video when I felt I needed a mindless night but I didn’t have any other option. When Dave and I moved in together I tried staying cable free but his hockey games were just too important…
Over time, Dave watches so much less tv than he used to. It’s like Shae said, it just happens naturally when you’re committed and focused towards the life you’re creating.
And today … I have a handful of shows I love but I actually watch them online. I mean seriously… who can’t adore CHUCK?!! And 24 is really good too!! But I watch them online on my time!!
You guys rock!! 🙂
Oh by the way … I think hard work isn’t the answer … I know a lot of hard working people not getting where they want to go. I think you have to have a clear plan with a big WHY… a true understanding of why you are doing what you’re doing and what kind of life you’re creating … and focusing on that almost to the exclusion of everything else creates success. It also probably means you’re working really bloody hard … but it won’t feel like you’re working that hard because your purpose is clear.
Hope that makes sense … I know Shae gets this … she’s the absolute greatest example of someone doing just this.
Hi Julie,
I agree with you on your comment regarding ‘hard work’. Working hard, will not necessarily translate into success for an individual.
We have to work smart, learn from our mistakes, and the mistakes of others.
Most importantly I find, we have to ‘copy’ those people that are successful. These would be the people that we are striving to become more like…
Hey Julie, that’s really nice of you to say. I fully believe in that Why…without it, I’d just be considered crazy 🙂 Watching your shows online is a good idea…I could really do the same thing and save the cost of the DVR…hmmm…something to bring up with Phil!
Shae,
There are a lot of great shows that you can watch online. It takes some searching, however, there are some really good websites out there.
Nothing beats a DVR though, for some shows that are not put up online on reputable websites…just yet. 🙂
Neil – in Canada if you just go to the website of the tv channel that shows the program… for example GLOBAL for 24, or CTV for the shows like Vampire Diaries (Julie watches it not me) and City TV for Chuck … you find the last couple of episodes of those shows online. They have a few short 15 second commercials in them but otherwise darn near every show is on there….
Dave!
Thanks so much for this tip. I never knew that you could do this. I just checked the Global TV website and discovered that all of the recent episodes of 24 are up there! You are a life saver. Thanks so much.
Neil.
No TV in my house and yes people do think I’m wierd.
I don’t miss it at all, still not enough time in the day.
Thanks Neil.
Hi Ed,
Thanks for the comment.
Talk to you soon,
Neil.