In chatting with others about rehabbing houses as well as staging topics, and just overall getting a house ready to sell as a homewowner or flip as an investor, I thought it was very similar to turning the page on the calendar in the new year. Before you get started on the new project, developing the plans, amassing the resources, it seems overwhelming if not darn near monumental at first.
So what I've concluded in listening to everyone's lament is the "first step is the steepest." This is certainly not an original observation especially to anyone who has ever done one of those New Year's resolutions to exercise more. You know, it's 5 a.m., time to start that jogging regimen before work. Oh, if you could ONLY get up. Just get started. Trust me, I know this area, and after the first step is done it is a breeze.
Along this line I think the Chinese had that saying about the journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step.
All this falls under motivation and I've heard if you want to conquer that "first step" and not make it so big, really understand "why" doing something is important to you. If you agree with the why then you'll do it.
Another tidbit I picked up from watching others, having hired employees, and looking at co-workers is you can't motivate anyone. I think you can inspire them, but motivation comes from within. They have to find that desire or maybe they'll never have it.
Finally, there is something really good that comes from taking the plunge in your life and conquering that first step. Most people don't realize it but I'm here to spell it out. Guess what? It gets easier. They call it in science a learning curve illustrated by my little diagram below.
So for the new year, not only go for it, and make it past step one with your plans, but know that you're getting better at it each day having taken that challenge and risk of that first step. Life is good.
Great post Gary and very timely.
You can lead a horse to water... motivation comes from within but there are many who are standing by waiting to help others succeed. I recently wrote that just like dieting, no one can do it for you but like hiring a trainer or nutrionist to help you on your way, you can liken selling a house to the same process but a seller has to be motivated to help their cause as well, especially when it comes to getting their homes in top condition before selling.
Carol: It is all about risk. That first step involves courage.
Karen: I think sometimes motivation is linked to a sense of urgency, and I know I see that in the home selling world where those who are serious have a sense of urgnency.
David and Lisa: I know the rehab and flipping part of the home world has dried up in many areas.
Frances: Great thought on small steps. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Lisa: Baby steps is a great analogy also for slowly immersing yourself into learning something and overcoming that initial fear that you'll never be good at it.
Marchel: Ah, a plan. That's usually what I leave out. Ever meet those people that are the Ready, Fire, Aim types? Plan is not in their vocabulary.
Gail: You are a wise woman Gail. Inch by inch it is a cinch!
Linda: It is funny that a seller hires you to sell their house yet in certain areas doesn't listen to you. Why is that? You are the expert. Like going to the doctor and saying you need the operation or you will die, and they say "no thanks." Huh???
Linda: What a great observation. I think not letting go by sellers has to do with years living at the place. But they have to realize it is just a "purchase" by the next buyers coming along, and they have to detach from the emotion. Easier said then done, right??
Kristina: Good point about continuing to ascend!