Getting Over Your Fear

Investor Tips by Peter Conti

In my experience working with thousands of investors over the past ten years, the single most common and biggest obstacle to them getting their first investment properties is fear. This fear can manifest in many ways. Here are three ideas to help you get past your fear and get started making money with your investing:

ONE: Take action right away

The single most effective way to break the bonds of fear is to repeatedly do the thing you are afraid to do, even while you are afraid to do it. Most fears dissolve when you get yourself to take action over time. The key is to not wait but to act NOW.

When I was in Hawaii, we went to this spot on a lava cliff overlooking a secluded lagoon. The cliff face was about 35 feet up over the water, but it felt like a hundred when I first looked down. The first time I leapt off, I did it right away without hesitation. The second time I made the mistake of pausing and staring down! Guess what -- it was much harder. Waiting NEVER makes things easier. Affirm that you're going to do just what Nike says -- DO IT NOW!

TWO: Don't think that you'll ever know it all

Many people say they will wait to contact sellers until after they study and figure everything out. The problem is that the more they learn, the more they learn that they DON'T know! It's a paradox that keeps many would-be investors prisoners. The  trick is to get yourself to take action knowing that you'll never know it all.

THREE: Recognize that you are so much more than your fears

Many people identify with their fear and falsely say that it is them. That's just not so. You are not your fear. You are bigger and grander and so much deeper than your fear. So let your fear exist, and know that it is NOT you, it's just your fear and separate from YOU.

Then take action while at the same time observing that your fear exists. Say to yourself, "Isn't that interesting... here I am knocking on my first seller's door and I notice that my fear is acting up". And as you say this, know that your fear has no power to stop you, unless you let it.