On this Christmas Eve I want you to think a little about the best present you can give yourself. This present may not be what first popped into your head. It is not cash, or gold or even real estate. It is the control of your time. Your time is by far your most valuable asset. With time you can build wealth and do all those things you dream of doing.
Time Comes First
Gaining control of your time should therefore be your first priority. It should be your number one goal. There can be many things utilized to achieve that goal and real estate investing should play a role, but not be the primary goal. While gaining control of your time and becoming a real estate investor may certainly be related, there is a distinction between the two and your time is much more important.
You may dream of taking exotic vacations, of spending more time with your family and friends or just doing whatever it is that you like and want to do. Yes, some of those things will take money and real estate investing can get you that money but just having money is not the answer. Having control of your time can mean so much more and will lead you towards having the money to achieve your other goals.
Time Is Scarce
There are many items in life that compete for our limited amounts time. Sleep of course consumes large portions but there is really no way around this vital function. In fact, I suspect many of us wish we had more time for it. Our waking hours are those that we should strive to gain more control over. Doing that often means finding new streams of income and creating new habits.
Creating new streams of income is how real estate investing can come into play. How? Real estate can provide cashflow and it is that cashflow income stream that gives you your time back. Good cashflowing properties will work for you 24/7. It will not matter if you are sleeping, at the beach or playing with your children, your properties will still be providing you with income.
Yes, getting these properties acquired and running smoothly will take time and lots of effort at first. Nothing worth having ever really comes very easily. This is where changing habits comes into play. If you stay focused on your goal you will gain control of more of your time and thus of your life. It really is the best present you can ever give yourself.
Of course many people out there enjoy the work they currently do. Their time as carpenters or research scientists or whatever provides fulfillment. Thus I am by no means saying that everyone needs to run out and think about how to get out of their job. But if you are in a position like I was many years ago and looking for a bit more out of life, then real estate investing is a way for you to move forward.
Make Time Your Goal
Make it a goal next year to gain more control of your own time. It is after all your most valuable asset. Start achieving this goal by using the time that you already have available wisely. Use it to study and learn. Use it to build relationships with people that can help you. It will be difficult at first, but striving to gain control of more of your own time is really the best gift you can give to yourself and those closest to you.
I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and the happiest of Holidays!
