Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa July 2014 | Page 66

LESSONS

BY HELEN COLLIER-KOGTEVS

Get Off The Treadmill...
Mindset tips for starting a new journey

T

he definition of insanity is ‘doing what you
have always done and expecting a different
result’. So, to change the result you’re getting,
you have to change the way you think, which leads to
changes in the way you act.

Simple, right?
It seems so in theory, but actually making changes to
how you think and what you believe to be true can be
really challenging. Habits are what cause you to stay on
the treadmill. And, while you’re plodding along, you’re
actually wasting your valuable time ‘wishing’ for a
desired outcome that you’re not even actively pursuing.
For instance, when I was in my 20’s and debt-ridden
I used to dream of being debt free. I had bucket loads
of bad debts, including credit cards, personal loans and
store accounts, but I only paid the minimum amount
due each month. And even though I desperately wanted
to get rid of my debts, I had no idea where to start or
how to approach it, so I just didn’t do anything about
it. In a nutshell, I kept doing what I was always doing
– paying the minimums and clocking up new debts
on my credit cards – but I was hoping my debts would
miraculously take care of themselves. I’m sure you can
relate to my story in some situation in your own life.
And I’m sure you understand what I mean when I
say that you can continue doing what you’ve always
done, but it will only get you the results that you have
always gotten.

So why not ask for more in life?
If you want to become a successful property investor,
then you need to start thinking like one.
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July 2014 SA Real Estate Investor

MINDSET TIPS
1. Determination keeps you focused
An unstoppable attitude stops negativity in its
tracks and prevents it from deterring you from your
goals. Don’t listen to friends and family who try to
dissuade you and, instead, remain focused on the
task of creating wealth.
2. It takes courage
Property investing requires to you ask lots of
questions, talk to strangers and ask for what you
want – so if you’re shy or don’t like to negotiate,
it can be a daunting experience. Remember that,
sometimes, it takes courage to carry out what you
believe in.
3. Be open to learning
As you travel towards your own version of success,
you need to keep an open mind and enjoy what
you learn along the way. Otherwise, it just becomes
too easy to quit. I’ve been doing this for over a
decade and I’m still learning new things…
4. Feel the fear and do it anyway
We all have fears. It’s inevitable. But the difference
between the rich and the poor is that the poor are
stopped by their fears, while the rich feel the fear,
weigh up the risks and then take action anyway.
This is one of the best skills you can learn.

RESOURCES
Real Wealth Australia
www.reimag.co.za