How Fear = Growth

death Ever have those “ah-ha” moments? They’re pretty cool, right?

The bulb turns on and suddenly something that made no sense makes perfect sense. Or better yet, you experience some life-changing, mind-altering thought that can truly help reshape your future.

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do.”

Henry Ford.

Hey awesome investors, it’s Patrick Riddle here, and I’m back to talk about conquering your fear by doing the thing you fear the most. I know, it sounds scary and it just might be scary… but you’ve got to look fear in the eye and laugh.

And that’s exactly what I did. Here’s how…

I laughed in the face of fear.

I found myself challenged by some colleagues (paybacks are hell, guys) to sing and play the piano (!) at a crowded bar. And to say that I panicked is an understatement. My stomach twisted into knots, my mouth went dry and my palms got wet. A giant ball of fear sat in the pit of my stomach.

Have I been known to tickle the ivories a time or two? Sure, but there was no way I was playing in public.

Or was there?

It's fearful moments like this that determine your success or failure. So, I did what I had to do – I got up on stage. I stumbled a bit and even had to start the song over – but I did it. It wasn’t the best rendition of the song I played – but I DID IT!

I conquered that fear and next time, it’ll definitely be easier.

Here’s how this applies to REI.

So, if you’re just getting into the real estate investment business or you’re branching out into investing strategy, I would bet big bucks you’ve experienced the same feeling of fear.

fear Maybe you panicked before you had to make that first phone call to a seller. Maybe you were scared to death the first time you negotiated with that seller. Perhaps you needed to change your shirt (and maybe a few other things, wink, wink) after your first presentation. Or, you were too scared to pull the trigger on your new marketing mail campaign.

But, did you put your tail between your legs and run away? Or did you put fear aside and do what you had to do? I’m thinking it’s the latter.

The point is this – when you have an opportunity to grow, you take a chance.

The next time you’re faced with a challenge that scares you (for whatever reason), embrace that challenge and conquer your fear. It doesn’t matter if you fumble through it or even fail altogether. Putting yourself out there means learning something… anything.

So take chances and use fear to up your game.

Remember, when you get that fearful, pit-in-your-stomach feeling – you should actually be excited about it! Because you’re being presented an opportunity that you can grow and learn from.

“I think fearless is having fears but jumping anyway.”

Taylor Swift

If you’re facing fears in your real estate business, remember that it’s okay to feel the fear. Just don’t let it stop you from moving forward and achieving your goals.

Comments welcome, friends.

Have you conquered your biggest fear? Tell us your inspiring story below or leave a comment to let us know if this post has helped you overcome a fearful challenge.