Have you laid the foundation?

In today’s instant gratification world, everybody thinks they need to get wealthy overnight. We see it all over social media, with everyone showing off their wins, fancy cars, lavish vacations. It’s easy to see all of that and want it yourself right now. What you don’t see is the hard work that it took for that person to gain wealth. You don’t see the mistakes, the rejection and the bumps along the way. It takes grind, focus, confidence, sacrifices, and battles.

 What you don’t see is:

1. Constant Learning

Wealth doesn’t come from luck; it comes from implementing knowledge. The most successful entrepreneurs spend hundreds of hours reading books, listening to podcasts, attending conferences, paying coaches, etc. I gave up TV nearly 2 decades ago, so that I could spend my downtime learning. Instead of the late-night news, I read books or research markets.

2. The networking

Success isn’t a solo game. It’s about building relationships. Go get coffee or lunch with others in the industry, jump calls, go to meetups, and make real connections. My biggest piece of advice when it comes to networking is think about how you can provide value vs how you can get something out of it. You become who you surround yourself with.

3. The failures along the way

There are many sleepless nights that come with those failures/mistakes. It’s easy to say failures will make you better in hindsight. It’s true if you actually learn from them and apply what you learned. You certainly won’t work to make mistakes, but if you fight too hard to avoid them, you’ll never get started.

 
4. The countless hours of grinding

When I first started my business, I would wake up at 6am, go to teach, get done teaching, then run to look at properties or work on current projects. Many nights I wouldn’t get home until 2am, just to wake up and do it again. Successful people are willing to sacrifice for a period of time. Grinding away nights and weekends, skipping getting together with friends and spending time with family.

5. The financial commitment.

Sometimes not being able to pay the bills or wondering how that next bill will get paid. Just scraping by day after day. Not too long ago, I bought a property that didn’t go as planned. This forced me to invest hundreds of thousands more into the property. Talk about sleepless nights

6. Doubt from you closest family and friends.

The people closest to you not believing in you and telling you that you shouldn’t be doing it can be tough and confusing. I remember hearing experienced bankers and investors telling me that it was stupid that I was buying foreclosures. Luckily, I don’t listen very well!. You will be doubted, You may be mocked. You need to have a strong why and believe in what you’re doing.

It’s possible to gain substantial wealth. Building wealth takes time, grit, and relentless effort. It’s not about luck, and it’s definitely not about overnight success. You have to lay the foundation. Educate yourself, make the right connections, embrace failure, and put in the work. It’s a grind, but if you stick with it, the rewards are worth it. The people who make it aren’t the ones who had it easy, they’re the ones who refused to quit.