I recently finished a FANTASTIC book called Outliers by Malcom Gladwell- and it has really stuck with me. It has changed the way I view successful people, and success in general. Malcom takes a look at not only the "drive and determination" of well known successful people (such as Bill Gates), but he also looks at the circumstances surrounding him, opening the doors of success to him. Malcom talks about circumstances such as the year you were born, families you were born into, and basically being in the right place at the right time. The kicker- is being able to recognize these opportunity and capitalize on it. He has a fantastic quote that I have posted in my office to read everyday. " Outliers are those who have been given opportunities - AND who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them!" WOW- that resonates with me big time. You can be the smartest, richest person on earth- but if you are unable to recognize an opportunity and then ACT on it, you won't be successful.
So this has made me think about the times we live in now. What an opportunity it is for those who can see it. An example is if you have been interested in investing in Real Estate. This is an incredible time to be picking up homes at historically low prices, and have a fantastic interest rate to boot! In my market it is a triple whammy- our prices have come down a little, rates are still great and our rental market is HOT. There is so much demand and little to no supply that there is nearly a zero vacancy rate. A great part about that, it has driven up rent rates. (great for landlords, not so great for renters) I am an investor of Real Estate myself, and we (my husband and friends) have properties that have done nothing but just pay the mortgage, (we have a long term strategy) Now, in this market- all of our properties cash flow.- what a nice surprise that is.
These days will bring about so many other opportunities that most will never think of. But for those out there who are keeping their eyes and minds open, not hiding their heads in the sand and who may have an idea but never knew when to act on it- will be able to seize upon these opportunities- and maybe change the world forever- like Bill Gates!
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